Word Games Pro Dictionary
tension
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
Quick reference
Word Facts
How it sounds
Pronunciation
Listen
Audio Pronunciation
Meaning
Definitions
noun
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
“He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension”
noun
The physical condition of being stretched or strained
“It places great tension on the leg muscles”
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”
noun
(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”
noun
Feelings of hostility that are not manifest
“He could sense her latent hostility to him”
noun
The action of stretching something tight
“Tension holds the belt in the pulleys”
In context
Example Sentences
He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension
Stress is a vasoconstrictor
It places great tension on the leg muscles
He could feel the tenseness of her body
There is a tension created between narrative time and movie time
There is a tension between these approaches to understanding history
The direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear
He could sense her latent hostility to him
The diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions
Tension holds the belt in the pulleys
Similar words
Synonyms
Check yourself
Practise This Word
Three quick questions on this word. Nothing is recorded — practise it as often as you like.