friction

noun

fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən 

1

a

: the rubbing of one body against another

the friction of sandpaper on wood

b

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

oil in a car engine reduces friction

2

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

friction between neighbors

friction between state and federal authorities

3

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

frictionless

ˈfrik-shən-ləs 

adjective

frictionlessly adverb

Synonyms

• conflict
• disaccord
• discord
• discordance
• discordancy
• disharmony
• dissension
• dissention
• dissent
• dissidence
• dissonance
• disunion
• disunity
• division
• infighting
• inharmony
• schism
• strife
• variance
• war
• warfare

Examples of friction in a Sentence

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

Other points of friction are likely to include the impasse in Congress over the $60 billion U.S. aid package for Ukraine, which has frustrated American allies, and Japan’s need to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities, which U.S. officials think is a weak link in the alliance. —Michelle Lee, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

The tectonic plates move, but their edges remain in place until this slip, when the stress overcomes the friction that normally holds them there. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

If your bonnet or durag is prone to falling off at night, a silk pillowcase is an extra guard to prevent friction. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024

Changes in Earth’s rotation over the long term have been dominated by the friction of the tides on the ocean floor — which has slowed down its rotation. —Laura Paddison, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024

Then, rest your head on the mulberry silk Slip pillowcase (as part of the Sleep-to-Go Travel Set, which also includes a silk eye mask) to minimize friction and frizz. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Mar. 2024

With that, Simu began pursuing acting, which caused friction with Zhenning and Zheng, but things have become easier over the years. —Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

To allow complete flexibility of workforces could make forecasting impossible, productivity more difficult to measure, and cause friction in communication. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024

That pit stop in the brokerage account isn’t the only attempt at creating friction. —Ron Lieber, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing friction

• friction clutch
• friction drive
• friction tape

Kids Definition

friction

noun

fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən 

1

a

: the rubbing of one thing against another

b

: the force that resists motion between bodies in contact

the friction of a box sliding along the floor

lubrication reduces friction

2

: disagreement between persons or groups

3

: 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