stress
STREHS
Stress (noun) means a feeling of mental or emotional strain caused by pressure or difficult circumstances. Example: “Work stress had been building up for months.”
noun
1
A feeling of mental or emotional strain caused by pressure or difficult circumstances.
"Work stress had been building up for months."
"Exam stress kept him awake for most of the week."
"A walk by the river is a good way to ease stress."
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."
"Constant deadlines stress our staff, so we are changing how we plan projects."
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- stresses
- Past tense
- stressed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Class of 1900
stress joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stress
See all rhymes for stress →Frequently asked questions
What does “stress” mean?
The word “stress” means a feeling of mental or emotional strain caused by pressure or difficult circumstances. In plain terms, mental or emotional pressure/worry, or (as a verb) to emphasize something or put pressure on someone.
How do you pronounce “stress”?
“Stress” is pronounced STREHS (/stɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “stress” in a sentence?
Here is “stress” used in a sentence: “Work stress had been building up for months.”
What is another word for “stress”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stress” include emphasise and emphasize.
What part of speech is “stress”?
Depending on how it is used, “stress” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stress” come from?
The word “stress” dates back to around 1900 and comes from Latin.
Is “stress” a common word?
“Stress” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stress” have?
“Stress” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of mental or emotional strain caused by pressure or difficult circumstances.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is usually a reaction to a specific external pressure — a deadline, a bill, an argument — and it often eases once the situation passes. Anxiety is a more persistent sense of worry or dread that can linger even without an obvious trigger. Ongoing stress can feed anxiety, but the two are not the same thing.
Is stress always bad?
No. Short bursts of stress can sharpen focus and drive you to perform, and this useful kind is sometimes called eustress. Problems arise when stress becomes intense or long-lasting, wearing down both mind and body. It is chronic, unrelenting stress, rather than the occasional pressure, that tends to be genuinely harmful.
What are the types of stress?
Stress is often divided by how long it lasts. Acute stress is short-term, triggered by an immediate demand, while chronic stress is ongoing and builds up over time. Some experts also distinguish eustress, the positive kind that motivates, from distress, the negative kind that overwhelms.
Can stress be reduced?
Yes. Common ways to lower stress include regular exercise, good sleep, talking to others, and relaxation techniques such as slow breathing or mindfulness. Managing the source of pressure, through planning or setting boundaries, also helps. If stress feels overwhelming or constant, it is worth speaking to a doctor.
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