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stress

verb

/strɛs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stress

To emphasize, highlight, or place particular importance on something.
"The teacher would always stress the importance of reading daily."

Detailed meaning of stress

It involves drawing attention to a specific aspect or factor in order to underscore its significance or impact. When someone stresses a point or idea, they bring it to the forefront of a conversation, presentation, or discussion, often with the intention of conveying its importance or urgency. Stressing can involve using verbal or non-verbal communication techniques, such as tone of voice, body language, or repetition, to emphasize a particular message or concept. It is a means of ensuring that a specific information or perspective receives adequate attention and consideration. Stressing can also refer to the act of subjecting someone or something to excessive pressure, strain, or tension, resulting in feelings of anxiety, worry, or overwhelm. This can occur in various contexts, including work, relationships, or personal circumstances, where demanding or challenging conditions can lead to stress-related responses.

Example sentences containing stress

1. Too much caffeine can stress your heart and raise your blood pressure.
2. The family vacation was meant to be relaxing, but the planning seemed to stress everyone out.
3. As an architect, he had to stress the beams to ensure they could support the structure.
4. Before the event, the organizers stress the need for punctuality among the participants.
5. The traffic jams stress me out every morning during my commute.
6. In therapy, she learned techniques to manage the stress she felt at work.

History and etymology of stress

The verb 'stress' in its sense of emphasizing or placing particular importance on something has a complex etymology that can be traced back to Latin and Middle English influences. It originated from the Latin word 'stringere,' which meant 'to draw tight' or 'to tighten.' In Middle English, the word 'stresse' was used to describe the act of placing emphasis or pressure on something, akin to tightening a string. Over time, 'stress' evolved to encompass the modern sense of highlighting or emphasizing certain aspects or ideas. This evolution reflects the idea that, by applying pressure or emphasis to a particular point or concept, one can draw attention to it and convey its significance. The etymology of 'stress' showcases the rich history of the English language and how words evolve to adapt to changing linguistic and cultural contexts.

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Further usage examples of stress

1. The fabric was under stress because it was stretched too tightly over the frame.
2. The manager would stress the importance of good communication to his team.
3. The new updates in the app are designed to stress less the processor, saving battery life.
4. After hearing the news, she could feel the stress weigh heavily on her shoulders.
5. During the workshop, they stress the significance of teamwork in problem-solving.
6. I want to stress the importance of punctuality in this workplace.
7. Let me stress that safety should be our top priority.
8. It's essential to stress the value of teamwork to the team.
9. She always tries to stress the positive aspects of any situation.
10. The coach likes to stress the fundamentals of the game.
11. We should stress the need for environmental conservation.
12. I want to stress that honesty is a core value here.
13. Parents often stress the importance of good manners to their children.
14. The teacher aims to stress the significance of historical events.
15. The keynote speaker will stress the benefits of innovation.
16. It's crucial to stress the consequences of reckless behavior.
17. Let's stress the advantages of our product in the presentation.
18. The document will stress the key findings of the research.
19. I want to stress the role of communication in our success.
20. The supervisor will stress the importance of meeting deadlines.
21. The CEO plans to stress the company's commitment to sustainability.
22. Let me stress the value of adaptability in today's world.
23. The campaign will stress the need for community involvement.
24. I'll stress the need for empathy in our customer service training.