ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Tension

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈtɛnʃən/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Tension is a noun meaning The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.

Meaning

The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.

More Meanings

  1. A psychological state of being tense.
  2. A feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc.; suspense.
  3. (physics, engineering) The state of an elastic object which is stretched in a way which increases its length.
  4. (physics, engineering) Voltage.
  5. To place an object in tension, to pull or place strain on.
  6. (physics, engineering) A force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or similar object (used with prepositions on, in, or of, e.g., "The tension in the cable is 1000 N", to convey that the same magnitude of force applies to objects attached to both ends).

Example Sentences

We tensioned the cable until it snapped.
My tensions with Eric over his alleged past actions have been fully resolved.
Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights.
This popular characterization of the Devil incorporates the Trickster archetype. Both are smart, energetic, lying, quick to take advantage of an opportunity. Both have latent narrative appeal in their generation of tension and conflict, their unpredictability, their defiance of hierarchy and authority.

Word Forms

Synonyms for tension

Depending on context, synonyms include stress, tautness, tensity, tenseness.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include tenseness, tensity, tautness, stress, tensile, tightness.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.