tension Definition
- 1the state of being stretched tight
- 2mental or emotional strain
- 3a relationship between ideas or qualities with conflicting demands or implications
Using tension: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tension" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The tension in the rope was almost unbearable.
Example
The political tension between the two countries was high.
Example
The tension in the room was palpable as they waited for the test results.
tension Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for tension
Antonyms for tension
Idioms Using tension
on tenterhooks
in a state of suspense or anxiety
Example
I've been on tenterhooks waiting for the results of my job interview.
Example
The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
Example
Listening to music helps take the tension out of a long commute.
Phrases with tension
Example
There was a lot of sexual tension between them, but they never acted on it.
Example
I get tension headaches when I'm stressed out at work.
Example
I need to buy a tension rod for the new curtains in my bedroom.
Origins of tension
from Latin 'tensio', meaning 'a stretching'
Summary: tension in Brief
The term 'tension' [ˈtenʃən] refers to the state of being stretched tight, mental or emotional strain, and conflicting demands or implications. It can be physical, emotional, or intellectual, as in 'The political tension between the two countries was high.' 'Tension' extends into phrases like 'sexual tension,' and idioms like 'cut the tension with a knife,' denoting a situation with a lot of tension or unease in the air.