friction
Americannoun
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Physics. surface resistance to relative motion, as of a body sliding or rolling.
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the rubbing of the surface of one body against that of another.
Rubber on pavement has more friction than steel wheel on steel rail.
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dissension or conflict between people, nations, etc., because of differing ideas, wishes, etc..
Friction between family members can escalate during a heat wave, as extreme weather can cause tempers to fray.
- Synonyms:
- contention, antagonism, clash, dissidence, discord
noun
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a resistance encountered when one body moves relative to another body with which it is in contact
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the act, effect, or an instance of rubbing one object against another
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disagreement or conflict; discord
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phonetics the hissing element of a speech sound, such as a fricative
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perfumed alcohol used on the hair to stimulate the scalp
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A force on objects or substances in contact with each other that resists motion of the objects or substances relative to each other.
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◆ Static friction arises between two objects that are not in motion with respect to each other, as for example between a cement block and a wooden floor. It increases to counterbalance forces that would move the objects, up to a certain maximum level of force, at which point the objects will begin moving. It is measured as the maximum force the bodies will sustain before motion occurs.
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◆ Kinetic friction arises between bodies that are in motion with respect to each other, as for example the force that works against sliding a cement block along a wooden floor. Between two hard surfaces, the kinetic friction is usually somewhat lower than the static friction, meaning that more force is required to set the objects in motion than to keep them in motion.
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See also drag
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of friction
First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin frictiōn-, stem of frictiō “a rubbing,” from frict(us) “rubbed” (past participle of fricāre “to rub”) + -iō -ion
Explanation
When one thing rubs and grates against another, it causes friction. That can include two clashing personalities or simply a match striking the matchbox and causing a spark. A form of resistance, friction is caused by a chafing movement between two or more objects. In the 18th century, friction meant specifically a “resistance to motion,” but a few decades later grew to also describe disagreement or conflict. The friction between the brakes and your tires helps stop your car when you're going too fast. Not speeding in the first place can help avoid friction between you and the traffic police.
Vocabulary lists containing friction
Word Generation Science - Energy
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Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School
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Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This is not the world’s biggest problem, but it has created a lot more friction when I’ve tried to use my top sports apps to, well, check sports scores.
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2026
Though the new rules will likely create more friction for financial institutions in the region, they aren’t aimed at causing significant disruption to the system, Jefferies analyst Philip Kett wrote in a note to clients.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
“But if there’s friction between us and the industry, they’re less likely to report it.”
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
Despite the friction in US-Canada relations, Greer has said that he envisions preserving parts of the USMCA.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
He simply closed his hands over the tether to create friction.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
