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 of friction

• discord
• strife
• conflict
• discordance
• war
• schism
• discordancy
• warfare
• dissent

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

China Daily via Reuters India is easing rules that will allow Chinese investments into the country, in a move that marks New Delhi's push to reset economic ties with Beijing after nearly six years of friction. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026

North Korea’s often-wild rhetoric, combined with nuclear weapons development, adds further international frictions. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

The brothers’ story shows not just the friction that separates a family with different patriotic allegiances, but also the geographical and physical separation of having one of them far away in America. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 10 Mar. 2026

The friction-free surface reduces hair breakage and minimizes sleep wrinkles. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for friction

• diction
• fiction
• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• restriction

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