Definition of "strained" []

• Having been passed through a strainer: a bowl of strained peaches. (adjective)
• Done with or marked by excessive effort; forced: strained humor. (adjective)
• Extended beyond proper limits: a strained meaning. (adjective)
• Antagonized to the verge of open conflict: strained relations. (adjective)
• Twisted; wrenched: a strained ankle. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "His dark hair was matted with sweat, his expression strained and empty, the expression of release."
• "“Right,” Brianna says, and Ryan pulls away from her, his expression strained, still not looking at me as he mutters, “I gotta go,” and walks off."
• "Finally she turned to him, with her lovely face wan, her expression strained."