friction

noun

fric·tion ˈfrik-shən

Synonyms of friction next

: the rubbing of one body against another

the friction of sandpaper on wood

: the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact

oil in a car engine reduces friction

: the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : disagreement

friction between neighbors

friction between state and federal authorities

: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis

frictionless

ˈfrik-shən-ləs

adjective

frictionlessly adverb

Example Sentences

the friction of sandpaper on wood Oil in a car engine reduces friction. It was difficult to reach an agreement because of the friction between the two sides.

Recent Examples on the Web The confrontation over the settlement law is the latest source of friction between the White House and the Israeli government. —

Raf Sanchez, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2023 But there were points of friction, especially after the death of Stalin. —

Huizhong Wu, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2023 But the relationship between the main trio also creates friction – pretty much from their very first meeting, ending in an emotional outburst in a women’s bathroom. —

Marta Balaga, Variety, 21 Mar. 2023 This low-friction job-to-job movement was especially significant in raising wages because employers had to beat the applicant’s current pay. —

Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 17 Mar. 2023 The movement is equipped with a double hairspring that reduces the effects of friction and an oscillating weight in 18-carat gold that is engraved with the watchmaker’s logo. —

Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2023 Another source of friction is the laws red states are passing to prevent health insurance companies from covering gender-affirming care anywhere in the U.S. —

Brynn Tannehill, The New Republic, 15 Mar. 2023 What that would do to you to have to be a sidekick in a band for a really long time.... think about real bands and how sometimes a lot of friction comes from the fact that one person's getting all the attention. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2023 Keep Dev Teams In Touch With Product Users Strive to always have (good!) friction so that dev teams don’t lose touch with the users of the product and the field. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'friction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

earlier, therapeutic rubbing of the limbs, from Middle French, from Latin friction-, frictio, from fricare to rub; akin to Latin friare to crumble, and perhaps to Sanskrit bhrīṇanti they injure

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of friction was in 1704

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

friction

noun

fric·tion ˈfrik-shən

: the rubbing of one thing against another

: the force that resists motion between bodies in contact

the friction of a box sliding along the floor

lubrication reduces friction

: disagreement between persons or groups

: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis

frictional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

frictionally

-ē

adverb

frictionless

-ləs

adjective

Etymology

Middle English friction "a rubbing of two things together, friction," from early French friction or Latin friction-, frictio (both same meaning), derived from Latin fricare "to rub" — related to fray entry 2