stretch meaning and definition

STRETCH noun

Definition of stretch (noun)

1. a large and unbroken expanse or distance
   • "a stretch of highway"; "a stretch of clear water"
2. the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
   • synonyms: reach, reaching
3. a straightaway section of a racetrack
4. exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent
   • synonyms: stretching
5. extension to or beyond the ordinary limit
   • "running at full stretch"; "by no stretch of the imagination"; "beyond any stretch of his understanding"
6. an unbroken period of time during which you do something
   • "there were stretches of boredom"; "he did a stretch in the federal penitentiary"
   • synonyms: stint
7. the capacity for being stretched
   • synonyms: stretchability, stretchiness

STRETCH verb

Definition of stretch (verb)

1. occupy a large, elongated area
   • "The park stretched beneath the train line"
   • synonyms: stretch along
2. extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body
   • "Stretch your legs!"; "Extend your right arm above your head"
   • synonyms: extend
3. extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length
   • "Unfold the newspaper"; "stretch out that piece of cloth"; "extend the TV antenna"
   • synonyms: extend, stretch out, unfold
4. become longer by being stretched and pulled
   • "The fabric stretches"
   • antonym: contract
5. make long or longer by pulling and stretching
   • "stretch the fabric"
   • synonyms: elongate
6. lie down comfortably
   • "To enjoy the picnic, we stretched out on the grass"
   • synonyms: stretch out
7. pull in opposite directions
   • "During the Inquisition, the torturers would stretch their victims on a rack"
8. extend the scope or meaning of; often unduly
   • "Stretch the limits"; "stretch my patience"; "stretch the imagination"
9. corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
   • "adulterate liquor"
   • synonyms: adulterate, debase, dilute, load
10. increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance
    • "stretch the soup by adding some more cream"; "extend the casserole with a little rice"
    • synonyms: extend
11. extend one's body or limbs
    • "Let's stretch for a minute--we've been sitting here for over 3 hours"
    • synonyms: stretch out

STRETCH adjective

Definition of stretch (adjective)

1. having an elongated seating area
   • "a stretch limousine"
2. easily stretched
   • "stretch hosiery"