Stress: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe emotional or mental strain caused by demanding circumstances.

• I'm feeling a lot of stress because of work deadlines
• Yoga helps relieve stress

Refers to a sense of urgency or a demand for quick action, often in high-stakes situations.

• She felt a lot of pressure to perform well at the competition
• The deadline puts pressure on all of us

Usually used to describe physical or emotional tension, often implying long-term effort or difficulty.

• Lifting heavy boxes all day can put a strain on your back
• Financial issues are straining their relationship

Describes a feeling of nervousness, worry, or strained relationships between people.

• You could feel the tension in the room during the meeting
• There's a lot of tension between the two countries

Refers to a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Can relate to work, studies, relationships, or health. Often used to describe a broad range of challenging situations.

• I'm under a lot of stress at work because of the upcoming deadline.
• Her stress levels increased due to the ongoing family issues.

Describes a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Often linked with mental health and can be more pervasive and long-term.

• She felt anxiety before her big presentation.
• His anxiety about the future kept him awake at night.

Refers to a feeling of strain or anxiety often in a specific situation or environment, such as during a conflict or before a significant event. Can also describe the physical sensation of muscle tightness.

• There was palpable tension in the room during the negotiation.
• She felt tension in her shoulders after a long day at work.

Indicates a sense of urgent demand or expectations from external sources such as work, social obligations, or personal goals. Often conveys the feeling of having to meet high standards or complete tasks rapidly.

• The pressure to perform well in exams can be overwhelming for students.
• He felt the pressure of meeting the client's deadline.

Use when referring to mental or emotional pressure or tension. It can also describe physical pressure on a material or object.

• Work has been a major source of stress this month.
• The beam could not handle the stress and eventually broke.

Best used when talking about physical tension, effort, or injury caused by excessive force. Can also refer to mental pressure but is less common.

• Lifting heavy boxes all day caused a strain in his back.
• She felt the strain of balancing work and family life.

Used to describe the action of extending muscles or objects to their full length. It generally has a neutral or positive connotation.

• It's important to stretch before exercising to avoid injury.
• The rubber band can stretch quite far without breaking.

Used to describe a state of being when muscles are tight or when someone feels anxious or nervous. It can have a negative or uncomfortable connotation.

• His shoulders were tense from sitting at the computer all day.
• The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense.