Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

stretch

verb [T] (GO PAST)
 
 
/stretʃ/

Definition

to go as far as or past the usual limit of something: Many families' budgets are already stretched to breaking point. We can't work any harder, Paul. We're already fully stretched. This movie really stretches the patience of the audience to the limit. We don't normally allow in people under 18, but I suppose we could stretch the rules for you as it's your birthday tomorrow.Trying and making an effortEffort and expending energy
(Definition of stretch verb (GO PAST) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“stretch” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

throw caution to the wind/winds

to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More