noun
Uncommon
friction
FRIHK-shuhn
Friction (noun) means the resistance created when one surface rubs against another. Example: “Oil reduces friction between the moving parts of the engine.”
noun
1
The resistance created when one surface rubs against another.
"Oil reduces friction between the moving parts of the engine."
"Rub your hands together quickly and the friction will make them warm."
"Tyres rely on friction to grip the road in wet conditions."
2
Disagreement or tension between people with different views.
"There was noticeable friction between the two departments over budget cuts."
"Constant friction between the neighbours made the shared garden an unhappy place."
"A little friction in the team is normal when people disagree about plans."
How to use friction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRubbing resistance between surfaces, or, figuratively, tension between people.
Common pairings
reduce friction
friction between
cause friction
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Word forms
- Plural
- frictions
Fill the gap
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Oil reduces _____ between the moving parts of the engine.
Etymology
From Latin frictio, "a rubbing," from fricare, "to rub."
Related words
Rhymes for friction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for friction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “friction” mean?
The word “friction” means the resistance created when one surface rubs against another. In plain terms, rubbing resistance between surfaces, or, figuratively, tension between people.
How do you pronounce “friction”?
“Friction” is pronounced FRIHK-shuhn (/ˈfɹɪkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “friction” in a sentence?
Here is “friction” used in a sentence: “Oil reduces friction between the moving parts of the engine.”
What part of speech is “friction”?
“Friction” is a noun.
Where does the word “friction” come from?
The word “friction” comes from Latin. From Latin frictio, "a rubbing," from fricare, "to rub.".
Is “friction” a common word?
“Friction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “friction” have?
“Friction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the resistance created when one surface rubs against another.
What is the difference between friction and tension?
Friction, in its physical sense, is the resistance created when one surface rubs against another. Both words can describe disagreement between people, but friction usually implies ongoing rubbing conflict from differing views, while tension more often describes a strained, anxious atmosphere that may or may not involve open disagreement.
Can friction be a good thing?
In physics, friction is often necessary and useful, for example allowing tires to grip a road or shoes to grip the ground. In relationships or teams, friction usually refers to disagreement or tension, which is generally seen as something to manage or reduce.
What causes friction between people?
Friction between people arises from disagreement or tension caused by differing views, goals, or working styles, similar to how physical friction arises from two surfaces rubbing against each other.
