stretched Definition

stretch
verb stretches, stretched, stretching

tr & intr
1. To make or become temporarily or permanently longer or wider by pulling or drawing out.

Thesaurus: grow, expand, spread, unfold, swell, open, burst forth, strain,elongate, inflate, extend, lengthen, widen, draw tight, tauten, distend, pull.
intr
2. To extend in space or time.
tr & intr
3. To straighten and extend the body or part of the body, eg when waking or reaching out.
tr & intr
4. To make or become tight or taut.
intr
5. To lie at full length.
intr
6. To be extendable without breaking.
tr & intr
7. To last or make something last longer through economical use.
8. To prolong or last.

Form: stretch out (also)
9. To make extreme demands on or severely test (eg resources or physical abilities).

Example: The course stretched even the brightest students
10. To exaggerate (the truth, a story, etc).

noun stretches

1. An act of stretching, especially (a part of) the body.

Thesaurus: extent, range, reach, compass, distance, time, term, period.
2. A period of time; a spell.
3. An expanse, eg of land or water.
4. Capacity to extend or expand.
5. horse-racing.
A straight part on a race-track or course, especially the part that leads up to the finishing line.
6. colloq
A difficult task or test.
Example: a bit of a stretch to get there by six
7. slang
A term of imprisonment.
Example: did a three year stretch for armed robbery

Derivative: stretchable
adj

Derivative: stretchability
noun

Derivative: stretched
adj

Derivative: stretchy
adj

See separate entry.

Idiom: at a stretch

Continuously; without interruption.

With difficulty.

Idiom: stretch a point

To agree to something not strictly in keeping with the rules; to bend the rules.

To exaggerate.

Idiom: stretch one's legs

To take a short walk to invigorate oneself after inactivity.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon streccan.

Phrasal Verb: stretch out

To extend (in space).
Example: stretched out his hand

Phrasal Verb: stretch over

To last (in time).
Example: The training period stretches over 5 years
To extend in length, area, etc.
Example: Forests stretch over most of the island