overstrain
|o/ver/strain|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈstreɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈstreɪn/
excessive stress
Etymology
Etymology Information
'overstrain' originates from Middle English, specifically the prefix 'over-' meaning 'beyond' and the verb 'strain' meaning 'to stretch tightly'.
Historical Evolution
'overstrain' evolved from the Middle English word 'overstreynen', which combined 'over-' and 'streynen'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to stretch beyond normal limits', but over time it evolved to include mental and physical stress.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to subject to excessive physical or mental stress.
He overstrained his muscles during the workout.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to stretch or extend beyond the normal limit.
The rope overstrained and eventually snapped.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45