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tension

n. · v.
US //ˈtɛnʃən// UK //tˈɛnʃən// ten·sion
  1. 1 social or political conflict (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of fear or anger between two groups of people who do not trust each other.

    a state of latent hostility or opposition between individuals, groups, or nations.

    Example

    There was a lot of tension in the office after the manager announced the new rules.

    Example

    Diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries escalated following the disagreement over maritime borders and fishing rights.
  2. 2 physical tightness (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the state of being stretched tight, like a rope or a wire.

    the condition of being held in a state between two or more opposing forces; the state of an elastic object being stretched.

    Example

    Adjust the tension on the guitar string until it plays the right note.

    Example

    The engineer calculated the maximum tension the suspension cables could withstand before the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised.
    • slackness
    • laxity
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  1. 3 mental stress (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of being nervous or worried that makes it difficult to relax.

    a psychological state of being stretched or strained; mental or emotional strain.

    Example

    Yoga is a great way to release the tension in your body after a long day.

    Example

    The constant pressure of meeting quarterly targets created a palpable sense of tension among the senior staff.
  2. 4 suspense in art (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the excitement or fear you feel when you don't know what will happen next in a story.

    the controlled release of information in a narrative to create a feeling of nervousness or excitement in the audience.

    Example

    The music in the film helped build the tension before the monster appeared.

    Example

    The director masterfully maintained the dramatic tension throughout the second act, leaving the audience uncertain of the protagonist's fate until the final scene.
  3. 5 voltage (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a technical word for electrical power or voltage.

    the potential difference between two points in an electrical circuit.

    Example

    The warning sign on the fence said 'Danger: High Tension'.

    Example

    The laboratory was equipped with high-tension wires to facilitate experiments requiring significant electrical discharge.
  4. 6 to make tight (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Engineering

    to pull something until it is tight.

    to apply force to an object so that it becomes or remains taut.

    Example

    You need to tension the belt correctly so the machine runs smoothly.

    Example

    Before the final inspection, the technicians must tension the structural bolts to the exact specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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