Stretching

stretch  (strch)

v. stretched, stretch·ing, stretch·es

v.tr.

1. To lengthen, widen, or distend: stretched the sweater out of shape.

2. To cause to extend from one place to another or across a given space: stretched the banner between two poles.

3. To make taut; tighten: stretched the tarpaulin until it ripped.

4. To reach or put forth; extend: stretched out his hand.

5.

a. To extend (oneself or one's limbs, for example) to full length: stretched her calves before running.

b. To extend (oneself) when lying down: she stretched herself out on the couch.

c. To put to torture on the rack.

6. To wrench or strain (a muscle, for example).

7.

a. To extend or enlarge beyond the usual or proper limits: stretch the meaning of a word.

b. To subject to undue strain: to stretch one's patience.

8.

a. To expand in order to fulfill a larger function: stretch a budget; stretch a paycheck.

b. To increase the quantity of by admixture or dilution: stretch a meal by thinning the stew.

9. To prolong: stretch out an argument.

10. Informal To fell by a blow: stretched his opponent in the first round.

v.intr.

1. To become lengthened, widened, or distended.

2. To extend or reach over a distance or area or in a given direction: "On both sides of us stretched the wet plain" (Ernest Hemingway).

3. To lie down at full length: stretched out on the bed.

4. To extend one's muscles or limbs, as after prolonged sitting or on awakening.

5. To extend over a given period of time: "This story stretches over a whole generation" (William Golding).

n.

1. The act of stretching or the state of being stretched.

2. The extent or scope to which something can be stretched; elasticity.

3. A continuous or unbroken length, area, or expanse: an empty stretch of highway.

4. A straight section of a racecourse or track, especially the section leading to the finish line.

5.

a. A continuous period of time.

b. Slang A term of imprisonment: served a two-year stretch.

c. Informal The last stage of an event, period, or process.

6. Baseball A movement in which a pitcher, standing with the glove side facing home plate, raises both hands to the height of the head and then lowers them to the chest or waist for a short pause before pitching the ball. It is used as an alternative to a wind-up, especially when runners are on base.

adj.

1. Made of an elastic material that stretches easily: stretch pants.

2. Of, relating to, or being a vehicle, such as a limousine or passenger jet, having an extended seating area that provides extra space for more passengers, leg room, or amenities.

Idiom:

stretch (one's) legs

To go for a walk, especially after a lengthy period of sitting.

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[Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan.]

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stretcha·bili·ty n.

stretcha·ble adj.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	stretching - act of expanding by lengthening or widening enlargement, expansion - the act of increasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope tension - the action of stretching something tight; "tension holds the belt in the pulleys" extension - act of stretching or straightening out a flexed limb
	2.	stretching - exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent stretch exercise, exercising, physical exercise, physical exertion, workout - the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit; "the doctor recommended regular exercise"; "he did some exercising"; "the physical exertion required by his work kept him fit" pandiculation - yawning and stretching (as when first waking up)