strained meaning and definition

STRAINED adjective

Definition of strained (adjective)

1. lacking natural ease
   • "a labored style of debating"
   • synonyms: labored, laboured
2. showing signs of mental and emotional tension
   • "her voice was strained as she asked the question"
3. lacking spontaneity; not natural
   • "a constrained smile"; "forced heartiness"; "a strained smile"
   • synonyms: constrained, forced
4. struggling for effect
   • "agonistic poses"
   • synonyms: agonistic