friction

American  

[frik-shuhn] / ˈfrɪk ʃən /

noun

1. Physics. surface resistance to relative motion, as of a body sliding or rolling.

2. the rubbing of the surface of one body against that of another.

   Rubber on pavement has more friction than steel wheel on steel rail.

3. 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

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friction British  

/ ˈfrɪkʃən /

noun

1. a resistance encountered when one body moves relative to another body with which it is in contact

2. the act, effect, or an instance of rubbing one object against another

3. disagreement or conflict; discord

4. phonetics the hissing element of a speech sound, such as a fricative

5. perfumed alcohol used on the hair to stimulate the scalp

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friction Scientific  

/ frĭk′shən /

1. A force on objects or substances in contact with each other that resists motion of the objects or substances relative to each other.

2. ◆ 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.

3. ◆ 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.

4. See also drag

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friction Cultural  

1. The resistance of an object to the medium through which or on which it is traveling, such as air, water, or a solid floor.

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Other Word Forms

• frictional adjective
• frictionless adjective
• frictionlessly adverb
• interfriction noun
• nonfriction noun
• self-friction noun

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.

Example Sentences

Economists expect more turbulence and friction in the global economy as these economic weapons proliferate, piling costs onto consumers and businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“If transit is funneled through a smaller, controlled portion of the strait, you’re not stopping barrels, but you are constraining them — creating friction and likely reducing overall throughput.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

On Earth, smaller objects "burn up high in the... atmosphere due to friction" before they reach the ground, noted Betts, which is not the case on Earth's natural satellite.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

That same year, he decided to quit REI, partly because of friction with the co-op’s board.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Marie-Laure crosses six evenly spaced friction strips on the kitchen tiles to reach the table; she follows a strand of twine he has threaded from the table to the toilet.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism
• bad blood
• bickering
• conflict
• discontent
• discord
• disharmony
• dispute
• dissension
• hassle
• hatred
• hostility
• quarrel
• resentment
• resistance
• rivalry
• strife
• trouble
• wrangling