tension

noun

1. (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense

   noun.state

   Examples

   He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension.

   Synonyms stress tenseness

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. the physical condition of being stretched or strained

   noun.state

   Examples

   It places great tension on the leg muscles.

   Synonyms tautness tenseness tensity

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)

   noun.state

   Examples

   There is a tension created between narrative time and movie time.

   There is a tension between these approaches to understanding history.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body

   noun.phenomenon

   Examples

   The direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. feelings of hostility that are not manifest

   noun.state

   Examples

   The diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions.

   Synonyms latent hostility

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. the action of stretching something tight

   noun.act

   Examples

   Tension holds the belt in the pulleys.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

7. The act of stretching or straining; the state of being stretched or strained to stiffness; the state of being bent strained; as, the <i>tension</i> of the muscles, <i>tension</i> of the larynx.

   noun

   Source: webster1913