tension

Definition

• n. (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
• n. the physical condition of being stretched or strained
• n. a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)
• n. (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body

Word forms

Plural

tensions

Example sentences

1. n.

   She felt a lot of tension before her big presentation.

2. vt.

   The teacher asked us to tension the rope tightly for the game.