stressstress1noun (no plural)1a feeling of worry because of problems in your life: Mum's been suffering from stress since Dad's been ill.2saying one word or part of a word more strongly than another: In the word ‘dictionary’, the stress is on the first part of the word.stressstressstressesstressedstressing2verb (stresses, stressing, stressed)1to say something strongly to show that it is important: I must stress how important this meeting is.2to say one word or part of a word more strongly than another: You should stress the first part of the word ‘happy’.