strain
verb (used with object)
to draw tight or taut, especially to the utmost tension; stretch to the full.
was straining
-
past progressiveof strain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
As a traveler, he was straining for an ideal, something still unrealized, that would inspire his countrymen.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
She also felt the elevation in Park City was straining her health — it’s one reason she chose to move to Los Angeles, which is mostly low-altitude.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025
If there was a center to this court, it was straining under the weight of this case.
From Slate ● Apr. 23, 2025
Jacob Boswall, Leader of the Lebanon Crisis Analysis Team at aid agency Mercy Corps, said Lebanon was straining to absorb this latest shock.
From Reuters ● Nov. 23, 2023
It was hard to be frightened of something that was straining to pop out its head like a cartoon.
From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi
