tension
pronunciation
How to pronounce tension in British English:
UK [ˈtenʃn]
How to pronounce tension in American English:
US [ˈtenʃn]
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- Noun:
- feelings of hostility that are not manifest
- (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
- the physical condition of being stretched or strained
- a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)
- (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body
- the action of stretching something tight
Word Origin
- tension (n.)
- 1530s, "a stretched condition," from Middle French tension (16c.) or directly from Latin tensionem (nominative tensio) "a stretching" (in Medieval Latin "a struggle, contest"), noun of state from tensus, past participle of tendere "to stretch," from PIE root *ten- "stretch" (see tenet). The sense of "nervous strain" is first recorded 1763. The meaning "stress along lines of electromotive force" (as in high-tension wires) is recorded from 1785.
Synonym
stress pressure nervousness disquietude jumpiness vexation excitement inquietude encumbrance strain anticipation jitters ants sweat restlessness fretfulness trouble fear butterflies edginess anxiety perturbation apprehension uneasiness cumbrance concern worry heat suspense expectation burden disquiet agitation
Example
- 1. A certain tension pervaded the atmosphere .
- 2. Push-pull has a tension loop structure .
- 3. Given the tension , just keeping talking seems accomplishment enough .
- 4. Some on the business school side acknowledge the tension .
- 5. Lastly , there is the constant tension between the french and authority .