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stretch Definition

stretch (strec̸h)

transitive verb

  1. to hold out or reach out; extend to stretch out a helping hand
  2. to cause (the body or limbs) to reach out to full length, as in yawning, relaxing, reclining, etc.
  3. to pull or spread out to full extent or to greater size to stretch sheets out to dry
  4. to cause to reach or extend over a given space, distance, or time to stretch pipelines across a continent
    1. to cause to reach or extend farther or too far; force or strain
    2. to strain in interpretation, application, scope, etc. to questionable or unreasonable limits to stretch a rule, to stretch the truth
  6. to make tense or tight with effort; strain (a muscle, etc.)
  7. Slang to knock down, esp. so as to cause to lie at full length

Etymology: ME strecchen < OE streccan, akin to Ger strecken < IE *sterg- < base *(s)ter-, to be stiff, rigid > stare

intransitive verb

    1. to spread or be spread out to full extent or beyond normal limits
    2. to extend or continue over a given space, distance, direction, or time
    1. to extend the body or limbs to full length, as in yawning or reaching for something
    2. to lie down at full length: usually with out
  3. to become stretched or be capable of being stretched to greater size, as any elastic substance
  4. Jazz to perform a lengthy improvised solo: with out

noun

  1. a stretching or being stretched
    1. an unbroken period; continuous space (of time) over a stretch of ten days
    2. Slang a term served in prison under a sentence
  3. the extent to which something can be stretched
  4. an unbroken length, tract, or space; continuous extent or distance a long stretch of beach
    1. any of the sections of a course or track for racing
    2. homestretch (sense )
  6. a course or direction
  7. a stretch limousine, airliner, etc.
  8. an action or effort that exceeds someone's normal limits or powers
  9. ☆ Baseball the act of bringing the hands together, as before the chest, and then lowering them and pausing before pitching the ball or attempting to pick off a base runner

adjective

  1. made of elasticized fabric so as to stretch easily and fit closely stretch pants
  2. designating or of a vehicle, esp. a limousine, that has been customized by extending the passenger section to enlarge seating capacity

stretch Related Forms
stretch′·abil′·ity noun stretch′·able adjective
stretch Synonyms

stretch

n.

extent, compass, range, reach; see time 1.

stretch Synonyms

stretch

v.

  1. To become longer

    grow, expand, be extended, extend oneself, spread, unfold, increase, swell, spring up, shoot up, open, burst forth.

    Antonyms contract*, shrink*, wane. *

  2. To cause to stretch, sense 1

    tighten, strain, make tense, draw, draw out, elongate, extend, develop, distend, inflate, lengthen, magnify, amplify, spread out, widen, pull, pull out of shape, pull into shape, draw tight, make taut, tauten.

    Antonyms relax*, let go*, slacken. *

  3. To occupy space

    extend across, range, extend to, spread over, cover a given distance; see also occupy 2, reach 1.

stretch Usage Examples

Object

  • credulity: Tho technically this may have been just about possible, during this time period it is stretching credulity a little far.
  • imagination: It was working under Tim that I learned how radio could tell stories in a way that stretched the imagination.
  • muscle: Pain occurs if bending the knee is resisted, or if the patient attempts to stretch the muscle.

Adjective modifier

  • uphill: On an uphill stretch, swarming with traffic and crowded by roadside construction, I clicked off the overdrive for a little more torque.
  • long: To the north is China, to the east is a long stretch of ocean.

Modifies a noun

  • limo: After 45 minutes in the air we were in Las Vegas and a stretch limo took us to the Venetian Hotel.
  • limousine: If it's a thoroughly modern affair, maybe you can all travel together in a stretch limousine, except the groom of course.
  • fleece: The Explorer is made from a soft one-way stretch fleece.
  • fabric: With a low hipster cut, it's styled in soft cotton rich stretch fabric for a fitted look that maintains comfort.

Noun used with modifier

  • five-mile: But Friends of the Earth Scotland said the five-mile stretch of road would bring more traffic and pollution.
  • kilometer: It is scattered along a 5 kilometer stretch of the A449 between Crossway Green and Ombersley.
  • mile: The first 15 mile stretch from Derby through to Matlock Bath was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2001.
  • hamstring: This stretch forms a similar purpose to the hamstring stretch detailed with the warm up stretches.

Preposition: of

  • coastline: An inspirational stretch of southern coastline reveals clusters of tiny, colorful villages clinging to cliffs perched high above a dazzling sea.
  • imagination: They're not a big European club by any stretch of the imagination.
  • sand: A long stretch of pure white sand is backed by dunes that provide shelter from the noise of the main road.
  • canal: The stretch of canal between these two locks was always a favorite swimming place with local youngsters.
  • coast: Nestling in a sheltered valley near a spectacular stretch of coast, the South West Coast Path here makes for great walks.
  • river: Along this stretch of the river there are 4 breeding pairs of Kingfisher.

Preposition: for

  • mile: Location [ View on map ] Only 200 yards away, the golden sands of South Beach stretch for 2 miles to Giltar Point.
stretch Quotes

Stretchpantsöthegarmentthat madeskiing a spectator sport.

—Anonymous