Definition

Adjective 1. Having strings attached or arranged on a cord: Describes objects that are threaded onto a string, cord, or wire. 2. In a state of nervous tension or anxiety: (Often in the form 'highly strung' or 'strung out') Describes a person who is emotionally tense, nervous, or exhausted.

Usage

• The primary use is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'string' (e.g., ). As an adjective, it describes the resulting state.
• When describing tension, it is almost always used with a modifier like 'highly', 'tightly', or 'out'.

Examples

• Adjective (with objects):
  • The artisan showed me a necklace strung with beautiful blue beads.
  • We found old keys strung on a red cord in the drawer.
• Adjective (describing tension):
  • She's always been highly strung, especially before an exam.
  • After working three night shifts, I feel completely strung out.

Advanced Usage

• Strung out:
  • Exhausted and tense: Worn out from stress, overwork, or anxiety.

    • The team was strung out after the project deadline.
  • Suffering from drug addiction: (Slang) Heavily addicted to drugs.

    • The novel's character was a musician strung out on heroin.
• Highly/Tightly strung: Describes a person with a sensitive, nervous, or easily agitated temperament.
  • His highly strung nature made him a brilliant but unpredictable artist.

Variants and Related Words

• String (verb): To thread on a cord (e.g., ).
• String (noun): A thin cord; a series of things (e.g., ).
• Unstrung (adjective): Emotionally upset or disturbed.
  • He was unstrung by the bad news.

Synonyms

• For objects: threaded, beaded, wired, linked.
• For tension: tense, nervous, edgy, wired, on edge, fatigued.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• String along: To deceive someone over a period of time.
  • He had no intention of hiring me; he was just stringing me along.
• String together: To combine words or ideas to form a coherent sequence.
  • He could barely string together a sentence after the shock.
• String up: (Informal) To hang something, or to execute by hanging.
  • They strung up lanterns for the party.

Related Idioms

• Strung like a violin: Very tense or nervous, ready to react.
• No strings attached: Without any special conditions or obligations.
  • It's a gift with no strings attached.

Adjective

1. that is on a string
   • keys strung on a red cord