stretching

(noun) act of expanding by lengthening or widening.

(noun) exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent. Synonyms: stretch.

(verb) occupy a large, elongated area. Synonyms: stretch, stretch along. Example: "The park stretched beneath the train line."

(verb) extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body. Synonyms: stretch, extend. Examples: "Stretch your legs!." "Extend your right arm above your head."

(verb) extend or stretch out to a greater or the full length. Synonyms: unfold, stretch, stretch out, extend. Examples: "Unfold the newspaper." "Stretch out that piece of cloth." "Extend the tv antenna."

(verb) become longer by being stretched and pulled. Synonyms: stretch. Example: "The fabric stretches."

(verb) make long or longer by pulling and stretching. Synonyms: elongate, stretch. Example: "Stretch the fabric."

(verb) lie down comfortably. Synonyms: stretch, stretch out. Example: "To enjoy the picnic, we stretched out on the grass."

(verb) pull in opposite directions. Synonyms: stretch. Example: "During the inquisition, the torturers would stretch their victims on a rack."

(verb) extend the scope or meaning of; often unduly. Synonyms: stretch. Examples: "Stretch the limits." "Stretch my patience." "Stretch the imagination."

(verb) corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones. Synonyms: load, adulterate, stretch, dilute, debase. Example: "Adulterate liquor."

(verb) increase in quantity or bulk by adding a cheaper substance. Synonyms: extend, stretch. Examples: "Stretch the soup by adding some more cream." "Extend the casserole with a little rice."

(verb) extend one's body or limbs. Synonyms: stretch, stretch out. Example: "Let's stretch for a minute--we've been sitting here for over 3 hours."