tension
verbEtymology Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.
1
To place an object in tension, to pull or place strain on.
- We tensioned the cable until it snapped.
tension
nounUS /ˈtɛnʃən/ · UK /ˈtɛnʃn̩/
Etymology Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.
1
The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.
- My tensions with Eric over his alleged past actions have been fully resolved.
2
A psychological state of being tense.
3
A feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc.; suspense.
- This popular characterization of the Devil incorporates the Trickster archetype. Both are smart, energetic, lying, quick to take advantage of an opportunity. Both have latent narrative appeal in their generation of tension and conflict, their unpredictability, their defiance of hierarchy and authority.1983, Wendy Griswold, “The Devil's Techniques: Cultural Legitimation and Social Change”, in American Sociological Review, volume 48, number 5, page 670b of 668–680:
4
Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics The state of an elastic object which is stretched in a way which increases its length.
5
Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics A force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or similar object (used with prepositions on, in, or of, e.g., "The tension in the cable is 1000 N", to convey that the same magnitude of force applies to objects attached to both ends).
- Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights.1959 June 23, “Clacton and Walton Electrification”, in Railway Magazine, page 379:
6
Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics Voltage.
- Derived terms
30 terms
tensional, tensioner, tensionless, antitension, hypertension, hypotension, normotension, overtension, post-tension, posttension, pretension, thermotension, applied tension, Dymaxion, high tension, high-tension, Hubble tension, premenstrual tension, sexual tension, strategy of tension, surface tension, tensiometry, tension headache, tension myoneural syndrome, tension myositis syndrome, tension pneumo, tension rod, tension wood, tension wrench, time under tension- Related terms
- tensile