tension

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the action of stretching something tight

   tension holds the belt in the pulleys

2. 2
   noun

   in physics, a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body

   The direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear.

3. 3
   noun

   a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies, especially in art or literature

   There is a tension created between narrative time and movie time.

4. 4
   noun

   in psychology, a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense

   We suffered from fatigue and emotional tension.

5. 5
   noun

   the physical condition of being stretched or strained

   it places great tension on the leg muscles

6. 6
   noun

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

   My tensions with Eric over his alleged past actions have been fully resolved.

7. 7
   noun

   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).

   Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights.

8. 8
   verb

   To place an object in tension, to pull or place strain on.

   We tensioned the cable until it snapped.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ten- Proto-Indo-European *tend-der. Proto-Italic *tendō Latin tendō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin tēnsiōder. Middle French tensionbor. English tension Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.