Definition of stress:
(n) :
the internal distribution of force per unit area (
pressure) within a body reacting to applied forces which causes
strain or
deformation and is typically symbolised by
?; externally applied to a body which cause internal stress within the body
"some people put the stress on the first syllable of "controversy"; others put it on the second."
(v) :
to apply force to (a body or structure) causing strain; to apply emotional pressure to (a person or animal)
""Emphasis" is stressed on the first syllable, but "emphatic" is stressed on the second."