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   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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