noun
tension
TEHNSHN
noun
1
A feeling of unease, stress, or unresolved conflict between people.
"There was noticeable tension between the two departments after the merger."
2
The physical pulling force in something stretched tight, like a rope or cable.
"Adjust the tension on the guitar string until it's in tune."
How to Use Tension
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither emotional strain between people, or a physical stretching force.
Common pairings
ease the tension
under tension
sexual tension
rising tension
Word Forms
tensioned past tense, tensions plural, tensions singular
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There was noticeable _____ between the two departments after the merger.
Etymology
From Latin tensio, from tendere ("to stretch"), borrowed into English via Middle French tension.