straining in WordNet English dictionary

1. 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
   arduous  straining  strenuous 
   

1. the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
   distortion  overrefinement  straining  torture  twisting 
   
2. an intense or violent exertion
   strain  straining