eyestrain

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈaɪˌstreɪn/

KK: /ˈaɪˌstreɪn/

noun

Definition

Discomfort or pain in the eyes caused by prolonged use, such as staring at screens or reading for too long.

Example

After working on the computer all day, I felt a lot of eyestrain.

Conversation

I've been staring at my computer for too long today.

That can definitely cause eyestrain if you're not careful.

Yeah, I can feel a headache coming on from it.

You should take breaks more often to avoid that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

fatigue

tension

strain

Antonyms

relaxation

comfort

ease

Root Explanation

Eystrain → It is formed from "eye" (from Old English "ēage", meaning the organ of sight) and "strain" (from Latin "stringere", meaning to draw tight). The word "eyestrain" refers to the condition of the eyes being drawn tight or stressed, often due to overuse or fatigue.

Memory Tip

Think of your 'eye' as the organ of sight that can feel 'strained' when overworked, helping you remember that eyestrain is the stress or fatigue of the eyes.

Visually Confused Words

restrain

antieyestrain