Added 9 October 2026
tension
/ˈtɛnʃən/ noun
In Latin: intentiō Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about tension at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense.
he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension
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The physical condition of being stretched or strained.
it places great tension on the leg muscles
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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
Origin
Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)