tension

noun
UK: /ˈten.ʃən/
US: /ˈten.ʃən/

  1. A feeling of worry and stress that makes it difficult to relax.

    1. I feel the tension before the test. [ ] [ ]
    2. The constant tension at work is affecting my health and well-being. [ ] [ ]

  2. A situation in which people do not trust each other, or are in competition, which can cause conflict.

    1. There is tension between them now. [ ] [ ]
    2. Political tension is rising due to the upcoming elections and heated debates. [ ] [ ]

  3. The state of being stretched tight or strained.

    1. Feel the tension in the rope there. [ ] [ ]
    2. The high tension wires posed a significant safety hazard in that area. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

stress strain pressure anxiety
tension verb

  1. To make something tight or stretched.

    1. Tension the rope to make a bridge. [ ] [ ]
    2. We need to tension the cables of the bridge to ensure its stability. [ ] [ ]

  2. To feel anxious or uneasy.

    1. I tension up when I hear that sound. [ ] [ ]
    2. She began to tension when the deadline was moved forward unexpectedly. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tension" in English means: A feeling of worry and stress that makes it difficult to relax., A situation in which people do not trust each other, or are in competition, which can cause conflict., The state of being stretched tight or strained..

The phonetic transcription of "tension" is /ˈten.ʃən/ in British English and /ˈten.ʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tension": stress, strain, pressure, anxiety.

Example usage of "tension": "I feel the tension before the test.". More examples on the page.