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1. Dictionary

   Ten·sion

   /ˈtenSH(ə)n/

   

   noun

   • 1. the state of being stretched tight: "the parachute keeps the cable under tension as it drops" Similar tightnesstautnesstensenessrigiditypulltractionstressstrainstrainingstretchingrare:tensityOpposite slacknesslooseness
   • ▪ the state of having the muscles stretched tight, especially as causing strain or discomfort: "the elimination of neck tension can relieve headaches"
   • ▪ a strained state or condition resulting from forces acting in opposition to each other: "enormous tension can build up along the margin of the two plates and occasionally explodes into immense earthquakes"
   • ▪ the degree of tightness of stitches in knitting and machine sewing.
   • ▪ electromotive force.
   • 2. mental or emotional strain: "a mind that is affected by stress or tension cannot think as clearly" Similar mental/emotional strainstressanxietyanxiousnesspressureworryapprehensivenessapprehensionagitationnervesnervousnessjumpinessedginessrestlessnesssuspenseuncertaintyanticipationexcitementinformal:butterflies (in one's stomach)collywobblesjitterinesstwitchinessthe jittersthe williesthe heebie-jeebiesthe shakesthe jumpsjim-jamsthe yipsthe (screaming) abdabs/habdabsrhyming slang:Joe BlakesOpposite relaxation
   • ▪ a strained political or social state or relationship: "the coup followed months of tension between the military and the government" Similar strained relationsstrainuneaseill feelingfrictionantagonismantipathyhostilityenmityOpposite harmony
   • ▪ a relationship between ideas or qualities with conflicting demands or implications: "the basic tension between freedom and control"

   verb

   • 1. apply a force to (something) which tends to stretch it: "it is best to insert the battens before the outhaul is tensioned"

   Word Origin mid 16th century (as a medical term denoting a condition or feeling of being physically stretched or strained): from French, or from Latin tensio(n-), from tendere ‘stretch’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. tensioner noun
   • 2. tensionless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 7

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2. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › tensionTension - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › tension

   Definitions of tension. noun. the action of stretching something tight. “ tension holds the belt in the pulleys” see more. noun. the physical condition of being stretched or strained. “it places great tension on the leg muscles” synonyms: tautness, tenseness, tensity. see more. noun.

3. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishTENSION definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   5 days ago · tension. (tenʃən ) Word forms: plural tensions. 1. uncountable noun. Tension is the feeling that is produced in a situation when people are anxious and do not trust each other, and when there is a possibility of sudden violence or conflict . The tension between the two countries is likely to remain. [+ between]

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishTENSION | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

   • Cached

   a feeling of fear or anger between two groups of people who do not trust each other: ethnic / racial tension. There are growing tensions between the two countries. tension noun (BEING NERVOUS) B2. a feeling that you are nervous, worried, and not relaxed: You could feel the tension in the room as we waited for her to arrive. tension noun (TIGHT)

5. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishtension noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Check pronunciation: tension. Definition of tension noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

6. www.dictionary.com › browse › TensionTENSION Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › Tension

   • Cached

   noun. the act of stretching or straining. the state of being stretched or strained. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement. a strained relationship between individuals, groups, nations, etc. (not in current use) pressure, especially of a vapor. Mechanics.

7. www.thefreedictionary.com › tensionTension - definition of tension by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › tension

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   1. a. The act or process of stretching something tight. b. The condition of so being stretched; tautness. 2. a. A force tending to stretch or elongate something. b. A measure of such a force: a tension on the cable of 50 pounds. 3. a. Mental, emotional, or nervous strain: working under great tension to make a deadline. b.

8. www.britannica.com › dictionary › tensionTension Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

   www.britannica.com › dictionary › tension

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   1. [noncount] a : a feeling of nervousness that makes you unable to relax. You can see she is just filled with tension about her job. b : a feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc. The dramatic tension was very satisfying.