noun
stress
STREHS
noun
1
A feeling of mental or emotional strain caused by pressure or difficult circumstances.
"Work stress had been building up for months."
verb
1
To place emphasis on something, or to cause someone worry or pressure.
"The teacher stressed the importance of double-checking your work."
"Don't stress about the interview — you're well prepared."
How to Use Stress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMental or emotional pressure/worry, or (as a verb) to emphasize something or put pressure on someone.
Common pairings
under stress
stress management
stress out
stress a point
Word Forms
stressed past tense, stresses singular
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Work _____ had been building up for months.
Etymology
From Middle English destresse, via Old French, ultimately from Latin distringere ("to stretch tight"). The psychological sense of mental strain became common in the 20th century, popularized by researchers studying the body's response to pressure.