tension

noun

UK /ˈtenʃ(ə)n/

Word Forms

singular	tension
plural	tensions

1
uncountable the feeling of being so nervous or worried that you cannot relax
ease the tension:
I tried to ease the tension (=make it less strong) with a joke.
nervous tension:
Symptoms include nervous tension, depression, and insomnia.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of worry and nervousness
worry
concern
stress
1. 1a
  the nervous feeling that you have when you are reading or watching something very exciting or frightening
  The tension is almost unbearable as the play approaches its climax.
  Synonyms and related words
  Fear and fright
  fear
  fright
  alarm
2
countable/uncountable the feeling caused by a lack of trust between people, groups, or countries who do not agree about something and may attack each other
racial/political/social tensions
tension between:
Measures are needed to reduce tension between the two states.
Synonyms and related words
Arguments
argument
disagreement
conflict
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with tension
▪ growing, heightened, increasing, mounting, rising
Verbs frequently used with tension as the object
▪ aggravate, defuse, ease, exacerbate, heighten, increase, lessen, reduce, relieve
3
countable/uncountable a situation in which opposing aims, ideas, or influences cause problems
There is bound to be a certain tension between the freedom of individuals and the need for public safety.
Synonyms and related words
Difficult situations and experiences
crisis
battle
nightmare
4
uncountable the degree to which something such as a rope or muscle is pulled tight
Pull in the sail by increasing the tension of the rope.
Can you feel the tension in your neck and shoulders?
Synonyms and related words
Relating to muscles and tendons
cartilaginous
contract
motor

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