STRAINING

To hold tightly, to clasp.

To apply a force or forces to by stretching out.

Example: "Relations between the united states and guatemala traditionally have been close, although at times strained by human rights and civil/military issues."

To damage by drawing, stretching, or the exertion of force.

Example: "The gale strained the timbers of the ship."

To act upon, in any way, so as to cause change of form or volume, as when bending a beam.

To exert or struggle (to do something), especially to stretch (one's senses, faculties etc.) beyond what is normal or comfortable.

Example: "Sitting in back, i strained to hear the speaker."

To stretch beyond its proper limit; to do violence to, in terms of intent or meaning.

Example: "To strain the law in order to convict an accused person"

To separate solid from liquid by passing through a strainer or colander

To percolate; to be filtered.

Example: "Water straining through a sandy soil"

To make uneasy or unnatural; to produce with apparent effort; to force; to constrain.

To urge with importunity; to press.

Example: "To strain a petition or invitation"

Hug somebody; to hold somebody tightly.

To beget, generate (of light), engender, copulate (both of animals and humans), lie with, be born, come into the world.

Example: "A man straineth, liveth, then dieth."