traction
0 antonyms and opposites of traction, grouped by meaning.
Noun — The grip a wheel, tyre, or foot has on a surface, preventing it from slipping.
How to use traction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin tractus (past participle of trahere, "to pull") plus -io, forming a noun meaning "the act of pulling."
Full origin of traction →Frequently asked questions
What does “traction” mean?
The word “traction” means the grip a wheel, tyre, or foot has on a surface, preventing it from slipping. In plain terms, grip on a surface, or (more loosely) growing momentum and support for something new.
How do you pronounce “traction”?
“Traction” is pronounced TRAK-shuhn (/ˈtɹæk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “traction” in a sentence?
Here is “traction” used in a sentence: “Snow tyres give much better traction in icy conditions.”
What part of speech is “traction”?
“Traction” is a noun.
Where does the word “traction” come from?
The word “traction” comes from Latin. From Latin tractus (past participle of trahere, "to pull") plus -io, forming a noun meaning "the act of pulling.".
Is “traction” a common word?
“Traction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “traction” have?
“Traction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the grip a wheel, tyre, or foot has on a surface, preventing it from slipping.
What is the difference between "traction" and "grip"?
"Traction" specifically refers to the grip a wheel, tyre, or foot has on a surface that prevents slipping, and is often used in technical contexts like driving or hiking. "Grip" is a broader term that can also describe holding something with the hands, so traction is essentially grip applied to a surface underfoot or under wheels.
What does it mean for an idea to "gain traction"?
When an idea, product, or effort "gains traction," it is building growing momentum, popularity, or support, much like a wheel gradually catching grip on a surface. This figurative use is extremely common in business and marketing contexts.
What is medical traction?
Medical traction is a treatment that applies a steady pulling force to a limb or the spine, often used to realign bones, relieve pressure, or support healing after an injury.