strained

To hold tightly, to clasp.

To apply a force or forces to by stretching out.

“Relations between the United States and Guatemala traditionally have been close, although at times strained by human rights and civil/military issues.”

To damage by drawing, stretching, or the exertion of force.

“The gale strained the timbers of the ship.”

To act upon, in any way, so as to cause change of form or volume, as when bending a beam.

To exert or struggle (to do something), especially to stretch (one's senses, faculties etc.) beyond what is normal or comfortable.

“Sitting in back, I strained to hear the speaker.”

To stretch beyond its proper limit; to do violence to, in terms of intent or meaning.

“to strain the law in order to convict an accused person”

To separate solid from liquid by passing through a strainer or colander

To percolate; to be filtered.

“water straining through a sandy soil”

To make uneasy or unnatural; to produce with apparent effort; to force; to constrain.

To urge with importunity; to press.

“to strain a petition or invitation”

Hug somebody; to hold somebody tightly.

To beget, generate (of light), engender, copulate (both of animals and humans), lie with, be born, come into the world.

“A man straineth, liveth, then dieth.”

Forced through a strainer.

“Babies don’t seem to like strained peas, even though the puree is easy for them to eat and digest.”

Under tension; tense.

“Ever since the fight our relation has been strained.”

Not natural or spontaneous but done with effort

“A strained smile.”