Translate text 
Translate files Stretch
/strɛtʃ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
an act of extending or lengthening
She took a stretch before her workout.
a continuous area or expanse of something
We drove for hours through a stretch of desert.
a period of time in which something continues
He had a stretch of bad luck during his trip.
verb
to extend or enlarge in scope, range, or quantity
She tried to stretch her budget to accommodate the new expenses.
to extend physically, especially to an uncommon or excessive length
He stretched his arms and legs after a long flight.
to cause to reach a point of tension, or to go beyond a limit
The teacher wanted to stretch the students' critical thinking skills.
Etymology
Middle English 'strecche', from Old English 'straeccian' meaning to stretch or pull.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
stretched
having been pulled or extended.
stretchable
able to be stretched.
stretched-out
extended or prolonged.
Slang Meanings
to make an excuse or to overextend a story
He really stretched it when he said he ran five miles in half an hour.
to try to get more than what's fair
She's always trying to stretch her pay by claiming overtime.