tension

[ ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of stretching or straining.
2. the state of being stretched or strained.
3. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement.
4. a strained relationship between individuals, groups, nations, etc.
5. (not in current use) pressure, especially of a vapor.
6. Mechanics.
   1. the longitudinal deformation of an elastic body that results in its elongation.
   2. the force producing such deformation.
7. Electricity. electromotive force; potential.
8. Machinery. a device for stretching or pulling something.
9. a device to hold the proper tension on the material being woven in a loom.

verb (used with object)

1. to subject (a cable, belt, tendon, or the like) to tension, especially for a specific purpose.

tension

/ ˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. the act of stretching or the state or degree of being stretched
2. mental or emotional strain; stress
3. a situation or condition of hostility, suspense, or uneasiness
4. physics a force that tends to produce an elongation of a body or structure
5. physics
   1. voltage, electromotive force, or potential difference
   2. ( in combination )

      low-tension

      high-tension

6. a device for regulating the tension in a part, string, thread, etc, as in a sewing machine
7. knitting the degree of tightness or looseness with which a person knits

tension

/ tĕn′shən /

1. A force that tends to stretch or elongate something.
2. An electrical potential (voltage), especially as measured in electrical components such as transformers or power lines involved in the transmission of electrical power.

Derived Forms

• ˈtensionless, adjective
• ˈtensional, adjective

Other Words From

• tension·al adjective
• tension·less adjective
• over·tension noun
• super·tension noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tension¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin tēnsiōn-, stem of tēnsiō, “a stretching,” equivalent to tēns(us) “stretched” (past participle of tendere “to stretch, extend, proceed”; tend ¹ ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of tension¹

C16: from Latin tensiō, from tendere to strain

Example Sentences

Modern keyboards are ergonomic, so they ease tension and make typing a smoother and more satisfying experience.

From Popular-Science

Local officials had feared the president’s trip could further strain tensions in the city.

From Fortune

While the pandemic dominated Friday’s press conference, Merkel is also battling geopolitical tensions.

From Fortune

Most organizations are like stretched rubber bands, snapping back immediately back to normal once the tension is gone.

From Fortune

Rising tensions between the United States and China, meanwhile, threatens trade between the world’s two largest economies.

From Fortune

Yes, cops are under stress and tension (though their jobs are far less dangerous than normally supposed).

From The Daily Beast

But still the Middle East conflict does cause tension between many in these two communities.

From The Daily Beast

“This tension was not well received at the Vatican,” according to Tosatti.

From The Daily Beast

That's a step forward from the tension of the past two years.

From The Daily Beast

The increasing tension between Obama's team and Bibi's reflects this basic divergence in interests.

From The Daily Beast

The controlling leaders being out of gear the machine did not run smoothly: there was nothing but friction and tension.

From Project Gutenberg

It depends upon the fact that bile acids lower surface tension.

From Project Gutenberg

During so long drawn out a suspense I tried to ease the tension by dictation.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the tension which serves to start the movement is intense, though the masses involved are not very great.

From Project Gutenberg

Throughout the country-side, wherever the echo of the wail was heard, a tension fell upon everything.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anxiety
• apprehension
• concern
• discomfort
• hostility
• jitters
• nervousness
• pressure
• strain
• suspense
• unease
• worry