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

It’s a dazzling, tune-filled collage of images, words and sounds, recounting the moment during the Cold War when Congolese independence, hot jazz and geopolitical tensions made a sound heard around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

As the streets are cleared of Maccabi Ultras stickers and tensions linger, there is concern about the damage done to relations between Amsterdam’s Jewish and Muslim communities.

From BBC

What it tells us: While Trump often signals his own hawkish economic views on China, he has also vacillated - which could spark tensions with his top foreign policy team.

From BBC

Sometimes there’s tension between the two women, followed by a shy forgiveness.

From Los Angeles Times

Nothing much happens by way of action, yet unspoken tensions simmer under the surface, and by the movie’s surprising end, you sense that a tremendous transformation has quietly taken place.

From New York Times

Related Words

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