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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. People also ask

   What does tension mean?

   • Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app [countable, uncountable] tension (between A and B) a situation in which the fact that there are different needs or interests causes difficulties There is often a tension between the aims of the company and the wishes of the employees.

   tension noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/american_english/tension_1

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   What is a synonym for tension?

   • Synonyms: tightness, tautness, pull, strain, stress, more... Collocations: a tension headache, the [rope, wire, line] has too much tension in it, there is too much tension in the [rope], more... a person who suffers from too much tension/stress [adjective?] Conflict would be eliminated, tension become a thing of the past.

   tension - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

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   Where does tension come from?

   • tension (n.) 1530s, "a stretched condition," from French tension (16c.) or directly from Latin tensionem (nominative tensio) "a stretching" (in Medieval Latin "a struggle, contest"), noun of state from tensus, past participle of tendere "to stretch" (from PIE root *ten- "to stretch"). Use in mechanics and physics is from 1680s.

   tension | Etymology of tension by etymonline

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   What does tense mean?

   • a device to hold the proper tension on the material being woven in a loom. Mechanics to subject (a cable, belt, tendon, or the like) to tension, esp. for a specific purpose. Latin tēnsiōn- (stem of tēnsiō) a stretching. See tense1, - ion Synonyms: tightness, tautness, pull, strain, stress, more...

   tension - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

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3. www.dictionary.com › browse › TensionTENSION Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › Tension

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   noun. the act of stretching or the state or degree of being stretched. mental or emotional strain; stress. a situation or condition of hostility, suspense, or uneasiness. physics a force that tends to produce an elongation of a body or structure. voltage, electromotive force, or potential difference. ( in combination ) low-tension. high-tension.

4. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definitiontension noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition

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   Definition of tension noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › tensiontension | definition in the Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › learner-english › tension

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   tension meaning: 1. a feeling of fear or anger between two groups of people who do not trust each other: 2. a…. Learn more.

6. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › tensionsTensions Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › tensions

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   The meaning of TENSION is inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion. How to use tension in a sentence.

7. www.wordreference.com › definition › tensiontension - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

   www.wordreference.com › definition › tension

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   a situation or condition of hostility, suspense, or uneasiness. a force that tends to produce an elongation of a body or structure. voltage, electromotive force, or potential difference. a device for regulating the tension in a part, string, thread, etc, as in a sewing machine.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › tension_2tension verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage ...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › tension_2

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

9. premium-oxforddictionaries-com.libproxy.ucl.ac.uktension - definition of tension in English from the Oxford ...

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   the state of being stretched tight:. Meaning, pronunciation and example sentences, English to English reference content.