tension

Noun

• the action of stretching something tight
  • tension holds the belt in the pulleys
    

• feelings of hostility that are not manifest
  • he could sense her latent hostility to him
    
  • the diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions
    

• (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body
  • the direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear
    

• a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)
  • there is a tension created between narrative time and movie time
    
  • there is a tension between these approaches to understanding history
    

• the physical condition of being stretched or strained
  • it places great tension on the leg muscles
    
  • he could feel the tenseness of her body
    

• (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
  • he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension
    
  • stress is a vasoconstrictor
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  latent hostility , tensity , tenseness , tautness , stress