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: stretchiness stretchability

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: unfold stretch out extend
4. become longer by being stretched and pulled; "The fabric stretches"
      Antonyms: shrink 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 dilute debase
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

Adjective

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

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