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 )

      high-tension

      low-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

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.

Other Word Forms

• tensional adjective
• tensionless adjective
• overtension noun
• supertension 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

"This was really tough trying to do her justice without having a clear idea of her wishes," he says describing family tensions and disputes.

Read more on BBC

Still, underlying issues remain unresolved, suggesting a continued risk of a flare-up in tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Central Nigeria sees frequent clashes between mostly Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers -- giving the violence there an air of religious tension, in a region that has seen sectarian violence in the past.

Read more on Barron's

Both leaders look happy to find ways to reduce tensions.

Read more on Barron's

You have stabilized the Middle East around American priorities and defused another half-dozen conflicts, including nuclear-tipped tensions between Pakistan and India.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• anxiety 
• apprehension 
• concern 
• discomfort 
• hostility 
• jitters www.thesaurus.com
• nervousness 
• pressure 
• strain 
• suspense 
• unease 
• worry