friction

noun

fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
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 adjective
frictionlessly adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When capital matches their workflow, friction falls away, timelines shrink and more homes reach the market—faster. Ryan Stroker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 This wasn’t like paying someone to write a paper for you—there was no social friction, no aura of illicit activity. Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Just the ability to notice a tiny friction in your life—and decide to fix it. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 The friction between DeSantis and the House began over resistance to the governor’s call for a special session on immigration. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for friction

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

friction

noun
fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
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
adverb
frictionless 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

More from Merriam-Webster on friction

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