strained

Meanings

• to exert much effort or energy
• test the limits of
• use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity
• separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
• cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
• become stretched or tense or taut
  • "the rope strained when the weight was attached"
• remove by passing through a filter
• rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
• alter the shape of (something) by stress
• lacking natural ease
• showing signs of mental and emotional tension
  • "her voice was strained as she asked the question"
• lacking spontaneity; not natural
  • "a constrained smile"
  • "a strained smile"
• struggling for effect

Synonyms

agonistic, constrained, deform, distort, extend, filter, filter out, filtrate, forced, labored, laboured, puree, reach, separate out, sieve, sift, strain, stress, strive, tense, tense up, try