Straining

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 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."

The act by which one strains. (muscles, etc)

Filtering, the process of passing something through a strainer.