strain

A force or influence that stretches, deforms, or otherwise injures something, or the state of being stretched or stressed. It often implies a damaging or exhausting effect, particularly on a person's mental or physical well-being, or on a relationship. "Strain" can also refer to a particular variety of an animal or plant, especially a cultivated one, or a specific type of bacterium or virus. This latter sense refers to a distinct genetic lineage, which is not directly translatable to a single Japanese word that also captures the 'tension' meaning; Japanese often uses words like `系統 (keitō)` or `株 (kabu)` specifically for biological lineages, but these do not convey physical or mental stress.

• The constant strain of her job led to burnout.
• Muscles can't take that kind of strain without proper warm-up.
• Scientists are studying a new strain of influenza.
• The strain on their relationship was evident after the argument.

To exert oneself to the utmost, often to the point of injury or exhaustion, or to cause a part of the body to be injured by overuse or excessive tension. It can also mean to pull or stretch tightly, or to filter a liquid by passing it through a permeable material to separate solids.

• He had to strain to hear the faint music.
• Don't strain your eyes by reading in the dark.
• She used a colander to strain the pasta.
• The rope began to strain under the heavy load.

Describes something or someone that is under pressure, stress, or tension; feeling or appearing to be forced or unnatural. It often implies difficulty or awkwardness due to underlying tension.

• There was a strained silence in the room after the argument.
• His smile looked strained, as if he was trying to hide his true feelings.
• Their relationship had become quite strained over the years.