Definitions:

1. a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies, especially in art or literature noun
   • There is a tension created between narrative time and movie time.
2. in physics, a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body noun
   • The direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear.
3. in psychology, a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense noun
   • We suffered from fatigue and emotional tension.
4. the action of stretching something tight noun
   • tension holds the belt in the pulleys
5. the physical condition of being stretched or strained noun
   • it places great tension on the leg muscles

Synonyms:

• latent hostility
• stress
• tautness
• tenseness
• tensity

NearBy Words:

• tensional
• tensionless