an intense or violent exertion

[ Syn: strain ]

the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean

[ Syn: distortion , overrefinement , torture , twisting ]

taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance; his final, straining burst of speed; a strenuous task; your willingness after these six arduous days to remain here- F.D.Roosevelt

[ Syn: arduous , strenuous ]