# friction

/ˈfɹɪkʃən/ (US) · /fɹˈɪkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/friction
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. physical rubbing

noun · CEFR B2

the act of rubbing one thing against another.

For teachers: the action of one surface or object rubbing against another. Uncountable in most contexts.

- The friction of the rope against the wood caused it to fray over time.
- The constant friction between the moving parts of the engine necessitated a high-quality lubricant to prevent overheating and mechanical failure.

### 2. resistance force

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a force that slows down objects when they touch or move against each other.

For teachers: the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. Often used in scientific contexts.

- Ice has very little friction, which is why it is so easy to slip on it.
- In physics experiments, students must calculate how friction affects the velocity of a sliding block across different textured surfaces.

### 3. social conflict

noun · CEFR B2

disagreement or tension between people who have different ideas.

For teachers: conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opposing interests.

- There was a lot of friction between the two managers regarding the new budget.
- The merger created significant friction between the two corporate cultures, leading to several high-level resignations within the first six months.

### 4. medical massage

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a type of firm massage used to help blood flow.

For teachers: the act of rubbing the body or a limb, often as a medical treatment to stimulate circulation or muscle recovery.

- The doctor recommended a daily friction of the limbs to improve his circulation.
- Nineteenth-century medical texts often prescribed vigorous frictions with oils to treat patients suffering from poor peripheral circulation.

## Examples

- The friction between the tires and the road helps the car stop.
- The new manager's strict style caused a lot of friction among the existing staff members.
- Engineers must account for kinetic friction when designing mechanical components to ensure that heat buildup does not lead to premature structural failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.