stress test

¹

noun

1. a test, especially one conducted in a laboratory, to determine how much pressure, tension, wear, or the like a given product or material can withstand.
2. Medicine/Medical. a test of cardiovascular health made by recording heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and other parameters while a person undergoes physical exertion.
3. a simulation test to determine how a given institution, system, etc., would perform under greater than usual stresses or pressures:

   the government’s stress test for big banks;

   mandatory stress tests for nuclear plants;

   a website stress test that simulates peak traffic.

stress-test

²

[ stres-test ]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to a stress test.

Other Words From

• stress-testing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stress test¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Mr. Trump’s early transition moves amount to a generational stress test for the system.

From Salon

Comedy can be a terrific free speech stress test.

From Salon

Levinson was careful to point out that isn’t necessarily nefarious, but not the best way to stress test policies.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a scene early on in the new film “The Bikeriders” that functions like a stress test for stardom.

From New York Times

Sanchez could become another kind of stress test.But it’s a test Jackson said growing parties, including Georgia Democrats, have to handle to expand their numbers.

From Seattle Times