What does "tension" mean?
The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.
Tension
/ˈtɛnʃən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.
- Grammar: tension is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: stress, a lot of stress, agitation, alarm.
- Useful contrasts: balanced state, calm demeanor, calm energy state.
- Usage evidence: Tension is a major cause of heart disease.
How to use "tension"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tension" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tension" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tension" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tension" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tension" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "stress" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tension", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other. countable, uncountable
"My tensions with Eric over his alleged past actions have been fully resolved."
- 2 the action of stretching something tight wordnet
- 3 A psychological state of being tense. countable, uncountable
- 4 (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body wordnet
- 5 A feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc.; suspense. countable, uncountable
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 feelings of hostility that are not manifest wordnet
- 7 The state of an elastic object which is stretched in a way which increases its length. countable, uncountable
- 8 a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature) wordnet
- 9 A force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or similar object (used with prepositions on, in, or of, e.g., "The tension in the cable is 1000 N", to convey that the same magnitude of force applies to objects attached to both ends). countable, uncountable
"Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights."
- 10 (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense wordnet
- 11 Voltage. countable, uncountable
- 12 the physical condition of being stretched or strained wordnet
Verb
- 1 To place an object in tension, to pull or place strain on.
"We tensioned the cable until it snapped."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
balanced statecalm demeanorcalm energy statecarefree mood
Example
"Tension is a major cause of heart disease."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tension"?
Common synonyms include: stress, a lot of stress, agitation, alarm, all overs, all-overs.
How do you use "tension" in a sentence?
Tension is a major cause of heart disease.
How do you pronounce "tension"?
Pronounced /ˈtɛnʃən/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.