n.
   - pressure or tension exerted on a material object. 
▸Physics  the magnitude of this measured in units of force per unit area.
 - a state of mental, emotional, or other strain.
 - particular emphasis. 
▸emphasis given to a syllable or word in speech.
 
v.
  - emphasize. 
▸give emphasis to (a syllable or word) when pronouncing it.
 - subject to stress.
 
 
  Derivative
  
    - stressless adj.
  - stressor n.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME (denoting pressure exerted on a person for the purpose of compulsion): shortening of distress, or partly from OFr. estresse ‘narrowness, oppression’, based on L. strictus (see strict).