Importance, significance, or emphasis placed on something. See Synonyms at emphasis.
Linguistics The relative force with which a sound or syllable is spoken.
Linguistics The emphasis placed on the sound or syllable spoken most forcefully in a word or phrase.
The relative force of sound or emphasis given a syllable or word in accordance with a metrical pattern.
A syllable having strong relative emphasis in a metrical pattern.
Accent or a mark representing such emphasis or force.
Physics An applied force or system of forces that tends to strain or deform a body.
Physics The internal resistance of a body to such an applied force or system of forces.
A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
A stimulus or circumstance causing such a condition.
A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain: "He presided over the economy during the period of its greatest stress and danger” ( Robert J. Samuelson).
To place emphasis on: stressed basic fire safety.
To give prominence to (a syllable or word) in pronouncing or in accordance with a metrical pattern.
To subject to physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain.
To subject to mechanical pressure or force.
To construct so as to withstand a specified stress.
stress out Informal To subject to or undergo extreme stress, as from working too much.