What does "strain" mean here? Could you suggest some other words that is similar to "strain"?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
"Strain" in this context means an influence that causes stress, worry, or fear. "Strain" in this context can be used towards relationships, resources, mental health, etc. In her class debate, Cher asked the question "What about the strain on our resource?" She is posing this question because to portray a question that someone who is against immigrants coming to the country would ask. This question asks about how will the resources, such as gas, electricity, water, etc. be divided up with more people. Ex: The argument between the mother and daughter caused a strain on their relationship. Ex: Having another child put a strain on the young couple's marriage. Ex: Overfishing has put a strain on the fish population in the ocean.