English to English

noun (n)

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

  Example:
  He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension.
  

  Synonym:
  stress, tenseness
  

  source: wordnet30
• the physical condition of being stretched or strained(noun.state)

  Example:
  It places great tension on the leg muscles.
  

  Synonym:
  tautness, tenseness, tensity
  

  source: wordnet30
• a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)(noun.state)

  Example:
  There is a tension created between narrative time and movie time.
  There is a tension between these approaches to understanding history.
  

  source: wordnet30
• (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body(noun.phenomenon)

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

  source: wordnet30
• feelings of hostility that are not manifest(noun.state)

  Example:
  The diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions.
  

  Synonym:
  latent hostility
  

  source: wordnet30
• the action of stretching something tight(noun.act)

  Example:
  Tension holds the belt in the pulleys.
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of stretching or straining; the state of being stretched or strained to stiffness; the state of being bent strained; as, the tension of the muscles, tension of the larynx.(noun)

  source: webster1913