n an intense or violent exertion
n the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
v to exert much effort or energy
v test the limits of
v use to the utmost; exert vigorously or to full capacity
v separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements
v cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
v become stretched or tense or taut
v remove by passing through a filter
v rub through a strainer or process in an electric blender
v alter the shape of (something) by stress
s taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance