stretch
stretch [strĕch] verb
stretched, stretching, stretches
verb, transitive
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: stretches herself after waking up; stretched his calves before running. b. To extend [oneself] when lying down: she stretched herself out on the couch and fell asleep. 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; stretch one's imagination. b. To subject to undue strain: This situation really stretches my 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; stretch the payments.
10. Informal. To fell by a blow: stretched his opponent in the first round.
verb, intransitive
1. To become lengthened, widened, or distended.
2. To extend or reach over a distance or an 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 for a nap.
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].
noun
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, a period, or a process.
6. Baseball. The movement in which a pitcher raises both hands to the height of the head and then lowers them to the 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.
adjective
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.
[Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan.]
stretchabilʹity noun
stretchʹable adjective