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7 VERB If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens , it becomes greater or affects more people. □ [V n] His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization. □ [V n] Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism. □ [V ] Amy's own Republican sympathies strengthened as the days passed.

8 VERB If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things. □ [V n] Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body.

9 VERB If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed. □ [V n] The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.

strenu|ous /stre njuəs/ ADJ A strenuous activity or action involves a lot of energy or effort. □  Avoid strenuous exercise in the evening. □  Strenuous efforts had been made to improve conditions in the jail.

stress ◆◆◇ /stre s/ (stresses , stressing , stressed )

1 VERB If you stress a point in a discussion, you put extra emphasis on it because you think it is important. □ [V that] The spokesman stressed that the measures did not amount to an overall ban. □ [V n] They stress the need for improved employment opportunities. □ [V with quote] 'We're not saying we're outside and above all this,' he stresses. ● N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □ [+ on ] They laid heavy stress on the need for education.

2 N‑VAR [oft under N ] If you feel under stress , you feel worried and tense because of difficulties in your life. □  Katy could think clearly when not under stress. □  …a wide range of stress-related problems.

3 N‑VAR Stresses are strong physical pressures applied to an object. □  Earthquakes happen when stresses in rock are suddenly released as the rocks fracture.

4 VERB If you stress a word or part of a word when you say it, you put emphasis on it so that it sounds slightly louder. □ [V n] 'Sit down,' she replied, stressing each word. ● N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □  …the misplaced stress on the first syllable of this last word.

stressed /stre st/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are stressed , you feel tense and anxious because of difficulties in your life. □  Work out what situations or people make you feel stressed and avoid them.

2 ADJ If a word or part of a word is stressed , it is pronounced with emphasis.

stre ssed ou t ADJ If someone is stressed out , they are very tense and anxious because of difficulties in their lives. [INFORMAL ]

stress|ful /stre sfʊl/ ADJ If a situation or experience is stressful , it causes the person involved to feel stress. □  I think I've got one of the most stressful jobs there is.

stretch ◆◇◇ /stre tʃ/ (stretches , stretching , stretched )

1 VERB [no cont] Something that stretches over an area or distance covers or exists in the whole of that area or distance. □ [V prep/adv] The procession stretched for several miles. □ [V n] …an artificial reef stretching the length of the coast.

2 N‑COUNT A stretch of road, water, or land is a length or area of it. □ [+ of ] It's a very dangerous stretch of road.