1.Definition: (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"

Category: General

2.Definition: (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense

"He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension", "Stress is a vasoconstrictor"

Related Noun(s):stress, tenseness

Category: General

3.Definition: 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"

Category: General

4.Definition: feelings of hostility that are not manifest

"He could sense her latent hostility to him", "The diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions"

Category: General

5.Definition: the action of stretching something tight

"Tension holds the belt in the pulleys"

Category: General

6.Definition: the physical condition of being stretched or strained

"It places great tension on the leg muscles", "He could feel the tenseness of her body"

Related Noun(s):tautness, tenseness, tensity

Category: General