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

• tensionless adjective
• tensional 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

That the audience is made privy to this deceit, including how Dennis forced his way into Roman’s life, casts a complex tension on their subsequent heart-to-hearts.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week, the Commission denied reports it had delayed the announcement of Google's fine amid tensions over trade relations between the EU and the US.

From BBC

The leader of the rail workers union Fectrans claimed that some workers had complained that problems with the tension of the cable that hauls the carriages had made braking difficult.

From BBC

These kinds of tensions are already playing out on the campaign trail.

From Salon

One particular moment, where Mary takes Robert to see a London apartment, reveals their generational tension.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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