ˈɑːdjuːəs ˈɑːɹd͡ʒuəs dɪsˈtɔːʃən ˈstɹɛnjuəs ˈtɔɹt͡ʃɚ ˈtɔːt͡ʃə(ɹ) ˈtwɪstɪŋ an intense or violent exertion the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance his final, straining burst of speed a strenuous task your willingness after these six arduous days to remain here