The word "stress" can sometimes be confusing to spell due to its inconsistent pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /stres/. The initial "s" is followed by a voiceless consonant (the "t" sound), which causes the "s" to become voiceless as well. This can make it sound like it begins with a "sh" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in "red". Remembering to use only one "s" and a double "s" can also cause spelling difficulties.
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. It is a physiological and psychological response to external pressures, challenges, or events that disturb the equilibrium of an individual. Stress can be triggered by various factors such as work-related problems, financial difficulties, relationship issues, environmental changes, or major life events.
In terms of physiology, stress activates the body's natural defense mechanism known as the fight-or-flight response. This response involves the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to either confront the stressful situation or escape from it. It leads to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, rapid breathing, and heightened muscle tension.
Psychologically, stress can cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, restlessness, or unease. It may lead to difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, or maintaining focus. Prolonged or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health, contributing to the development of various disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, cardiovascular diseases, or gastrointestinal problems.
Managing stress involves adopting coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques such as exercise, relaxation techniques, time management, and social support. Additionally, seeking professional help when stress becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily functioning can be beneficial.
In dentistry the pressure of the upper teeth against the lower as the jaws are closed in mastication.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Force; pressure; importance; urgency; force either acting or suffered; compulsion.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stress" originated from the Old French word "estresse" during the 14th century, which meant "narrowness" or "oppression". It is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "strictus", which means "drawn tight" or "compressed". Over time, the meaning of "stress" evolved to include the concept of mental or emotional strain or pressure, which is the most common usage of the word today.