tension

American  

[ten-shuhn] / ˈtɛn ʃən /

noun

• tensions
  plural

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

tension British  

/ 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

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tension Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• overtension
  noun
• supertension
  noun
• tensional
  adjective
• tensionless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tensions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of tension

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”; see tend ¹) + -iō -ion

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Explanation

When things feel so tight they might snap, that's tension. If you buy your girlfriend a vacuum cleaner when she wanted diamonds, you will experience tension. Just before she storms out of the room. The noun tension has its Latin roots in tendere, which means to stretch, and tension occurs when something is stretched either physically or emotionally. Strained relations between countries can cause political tensions to rise. You can add tension to a rubber band by stretching it tight. You can release nervous tension by releasing that tension in the rubber band, when you shoot it at your brother.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tension tensions

This ecosystem has long been in a state of constant tension between merchants, networks that set fees and rules, and card issuers that extend credit to consumers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2026

Hamilton has said he is deeply aware of the "moral tension" surrounding abortion.

From Barron's ● Nov. 13, 2026

Access to funds was limited because of a tension between Gordon Brothers' dual role as both creditor and shareholder, a source said, but added they expected a relaxation of funds in the next two days.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2026

Unlike the knitted metallic mesh typically used in reflectors designed to fold and unfold, the perforated film requires less tension to maintain its shape.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 9, 2026

The tension wasn’t from Dad’s very sloppy joes.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Other ethnic tensions and cattle-rustling battles have also complicated the picture in one of the world's poorest countries.

From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2026

The sectarian division in Belfast is the result of a long and specific history, but watching “Blue Lights,” it’s easy enough to see the standoffs echoed in political tensions around the world.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2026

The duke acknowledged that tensions have persisted in the years since he and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals, but suggested he would welcome an opportunity to move forward.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 12, 2026

Chinese exports continue to soar despite economic gloom and global trade tensions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2026

The once-sleepy city of Selma was now the storm center of the civil rights movement, and tensions were rising.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman

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Related Words

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

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