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stretch - definition and synonyms


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verb stretch pronunciation in British English /stretʃ/
Word Forms
present tense
present participlestretching
past tensestretched
past participlestretched
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  1. 1
    [transitive] to pull something to make it longer or wider
    I’ll have to get these shoes stretched.
    1. a.
      [intransitive] to become longer or wider by pulling
      Her new knitted dress had stretched.
    2. b.
      When you’re pregnant it helps to wear fabrics that stretch as you grow.
  2. 2
    a folding chair made of white canvas stretched on a metal frame
    The little birds are caught in nets stretched between the trees.
  3. 3
    I leaned back in the chair and stretched.
    This exercise strengthens the lower back and stretches the hamstrings.
    1. a.



      stretch out

      He stretched his hand towards her.
  4. 4
    [intransitive] to continue for a particular distance
    stretch into/from/to/for/across: The empire stretched all the way from Scotland to the Pyrenees.
    The beach stretches for miles in each direction.
    Old grey houses stretched into the distance.
    stretch as far as the eye can see: The traffic stretched as far as the eye could see.
    1. a.
      to continue for a particular period of time
      stretch to/into/over/beyond/back: Paul’s initial two months’ work experience ultimately stretched to five.
      Negotiations had now stretched into a twelfth day.
      They had an unbeaten record stretching back to 1995.
  5. 5
    stretch to: I don’t really think my salary will stretch to a designer suit.
  6. 6
    At best, police resources are stretched.
    stretch something to the limit: Medical services were stretched to the limit.
  7. 7
    [transitive] to make someone use all their intelligence or ability, especially in a way that is interesting or enjoyable
    I don’t think his job really stretches him sufficiently.
  8. 8
    [transitive] to no longer be reasonable
    stretch (someone’s) credulity/patience etc: Foreman’s book has a plot that stretches credulity to the utmost.
  9. 9
    stretch a point (=allow something that is not usually allowed): Couldn’t you stretch a point for a friend?

phrasal verbs



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