Strain
/streɪn/noun
To exert physical or mental effort or force.
Did you know?In alchemical texts, strain was often associated with extracting the essence of materials, linking physical effort to magical transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*streg-
“To stretch or extend.”
Latin
Latin
stringere
“To draw tight or bind.”
Old French
Old French
estrain
“To stretch or strain physically.”
Middle English
Middle English
strainen
“To exert force or effort, often in a physical context.”
Modern English
English
strain
“To apply force or effort, often resulting in tension or injury.”