tension

ten·sion

noun \ˈten-chən\

Definition of TENSION

1

a : the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness <muscular tension> b : stress 1b

2

a : either of two balancing forces causing or tending to cause extension b : the stress resulting from the elongation of an elastic body

3

: inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion

4

: partial pressure

—ten·sion·al \ˈtench-nəl, -ən-^əl\ adjective

—ten·sion·less \ˈten-chən-ləs\ adjective