noun
plural stresses
[noncount] :a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.
something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety [noncount]
physical force or pressure [noncount]
[noncount] :special importance or attention that is given to something
greater loudness or force given to a syllable of a word in speech or to a beat in music [noncount]
verb
stresses; stressed; stressing
[+ obj] :to give special attention to (something)
[+ obj] :to pronounce (a syllable or word) in a louder or more forceful way than other syllables or words
US informal :to feel very worried or anxious about something :to feel stress [no obj]
stress out
[phrasal verb]
stress out or stress (someone) out or stress out (someone) informal :to feel very worried or anxious or to make (someone) feel very worried or anxious