strain
verb (used with object)
to draw tight or taut, especially to the utmost tension; stretch to the full.
had strained
-
past perfectof strain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said his activism had strained his relationships within his own community but that he believed Judaism came in many forms.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
She also had strained relations with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who also represents the Palisades.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
The US and Cuba have had strained relations since communist leader Fidel Castro overthrew a US-backed government in 1959.
From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2026
Hackman had previously been estranged from his children, confessing that his commitment to his Hollywood career had strained their relationship.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 19, 2026
The issue of circumcision school never came up between me and my father, but there was no doubt that the incident had strained our relationship to a breaking point.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
