Noun

Singular stress

Plural countable and uncountable; plural stresses

stress (countable and uncountable; plural stresses)

1. (countable, physics) The internal distribution of force per unit area (pressure) within a body reacting to applied forces which causes strain or deformation and is typically symbolised by σ
2. (countable, physics) externally applied to a body which cause internal stress within the body.
3. (uncountable) Emotional pressure suffered by a human being or other animal.

   Go easy on him, he's been under a lot of stress lately.

4. (uncountable, phonetics) The emphasis placed on a syllable of a word.

   Some people put the stress on the first syllable of “controversy”; others put it on the second.

5. (uncountable) Emphasis placed on words in speaking.
6. (uncountable) Emphasis placed on a particular point in an argument or discussion (whether spoken or written).

Synonyms

• (phonetics): accent, emphasis
• (on words in speaking): emphasis
• (on a point): emphasis

Stress may refer to:

Mechanical

• Stress (mechanics), the average amount of force exerted per unit area
• Yield stress, the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically
• Compressive stress, the stress applied to materials resulting in their compaction

Biological

• Stress (biological), physiological or psychological stress; some types include:
  • Chronic stress, persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental disorder
  • Eustress, positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning
  • Workplace stress, stress caused by employment

Music

• Accent (music).
• Stress (band), an early '80s melodic rock band from San Diego.
• Stress (Neo-Psychedelic band), from the late 1980's.
• Stress, a song by Justice, from †.