tension

tension is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

• enPR: tĕnʹ-shən, IPA ^(key): /ˈtɛnʃən/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: ten‧sion

Noun

Singular tension

Plural tensions

1. (countable & uncountable) Hidden anger or fear.

   No one said anything, but I could feel the tension in the room.

   Tensions between the two countries have been rising.

2. The state of being tight.

   There is too much tension in the rope. It might break.