<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to draw tight or taut</li><li>to strain a rope</li><li>to impair, injure, or weaken (a muscle, tendon, etc.)</li><li>to cause mechanical deformation in (a body or structure)</li><li>to stretch beyond the proper point or limit</li><li>to make excessive demands upon</li><li>to pour (liquid containing solid matter) through a filter, sieve, or the like</li><li>to draw off (clear or pure liquid) by means of a filter or sieve</li><li>to hold back (solid particles) from liquid matter by means of a filter or sieve</li><li>to clasp tightly in the arms, the hand, etc.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to pull forcibly</li><li>to stretch one's muscles, nerves, etc., to the utmost</li><li>to make violent physical efforts; strive hard</li><li>to resist forcefully; balk</li><li>to be subjected to tension or stress; suffer strain</li><li>to filter, percolate, or ooze</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>any force or pressure tending to alter shape, cause a fracture, etc.</li><li>strong muscular or physical effort</li><li>great or excessive effort or striving after some goal, object, or effect</li><li>an injury to a muscle, tendon, etc., due to excessive tension or use; sprain</li><li>deformation of a body or structure as a result of an applied force</li><li>condition of being strained or stretched</li><li>a task, goal, or effect accomplished only with great effort</li><li>severe, trying, or fatiguing pressure or exertion; taxing onus</li><li>a severe demand on or test of resources, feelings, a person, etc.</li><li>a flow or burst of language, eloquence, etc.</li><li>a passage of melody, music, or songs as rendered or heard</li><li>a section of a piece of music, more or less complete in itself</li><li>a passage or piece of poetry</li><li>the tone, style, or spirit of an utterance, writing, etc.</li><li>a particular degree, height, or pitch attained</li></ul>