Meaning & Definition of word "Stretch"

Stretch

/strɛtʃ/

1. an act of extending or lengthening
- Example: She took a stretch before her workout.
2. a continuous area or expanse of something
- Example: We drove for hours through a stretch of desert.
3. a period of time in which something continues
- Example: He had a stretch of bad luck during his trip.

1. to extend or enlarge in scope, range, or quantity
- Example: She tried to stretch her budget to accommodate the new expenses.
2. to extend physically, especially to an uncommon or excessive length
- Example: He stretched his arms and legs after a long flight.
3. to cause to reach a point of tension, or to go beyond a limit
- Example: The teacher wanted to stretch the students' critical thinking skills.

Middle English 'strecche', from Old English 'straeccian' meaning to stretch or pull.

stretch the truth:

to exaggerate or present something as being more impressive than it is.

stretch one's legs:

to go for a walk to relieve fatigue.

stretch the imagination:

to require imaginative thinking beyond the usual limits.

stretched:

having been pulled or extended.

stretchable:

able to be stretched.

stretched-out:

extended or prolonged.

Meaning: to make an excuse or to overextend a story

Example Sentence: He really stretched it when he said he ran five miles in half an hour.

Meaning: to try to get more than what's fair

Example Sentence: She's always trying to stretch her pay by claiming overtime.