tension

Tension is physical or mental strain, the force created by pulling something tight or a strain in a relationship.

(noun)

An example of tension is the feeling of working to meet an established deadline.
An example of tension is pulling the two ends of a rubber band further and further apart from each other.
An example of tension is an awkward feeling between two friends after a big fight.

See tension in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a tensing or being tensed
mental or nervous strain, often accompanied by muscular tautness
a state of strained relations; uneasiness due to mutual hostility
a device for regulating tension or tautness, as of thread in a sewing machine
voltage
loosely the expansive force, or pressure, of a gas or vapor
1. stress on a material produced by the pull of forces tending to cause extension
2. a force or combination of forces exerting such a pull against the resistance of the material
a balancing of forces or elements in opposition

Origin: < MFr or L: MFr < L tensio < tensus: see tense

transitive verb

to subject to tension

Related Forms:

See tension in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act or process of stretching something tight.
b. The condition of so being stretched; tautness.
a. A force tending to stretch or elongate something.
b. A measure of such a force: a tension on the cable of 50 pounds.
a. Mental, emotional, or nervous strain: working under great tension to make a deadline.
b. Barely controlled hostility or a strained relationship between people or groups: the dangerous tension between opposing military powers.
A balanced relation between strongly opposing elements: “the continuing, and essential, tension between two of the three branches of government, judicial and legislative” (Haynes Johnson).
The interplay of conflicting elements in a piece of literature, especially a poem.
A device for regulating tautness, especially a device that controls the tautness of thread on a sewing machine or loom.
Electricity Voltage or potential; electromotive force.