traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

a

: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves

the traction of a wheel on a rail

b

: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction

2

: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn

also : the force exerted in drawing

3

: the support or interest that is needed for something to make progress or succeed

a product that is starting to gain traction among consumers

… the litmus test issues of abortion and gay marriage have been losing traction, subordinated to the Iraq war and terrorism.

—Thomas B. Edsall

As many economists have noted, cutting spending is the worst thing people with means can do for the economy right now. But that argument seems to have little traction, especially because even those with steady paychecks and no fear of losing their job have seen their net worth decline and their retirement savings evaporate.

—Shaila Dewan

4

: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power

also : the motive power employed

tractional

ˈtrak-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Did you know?

A tractor is something that pulls something else. We usually use the word for a piece of farm machinery, but it's also the name of the part of a big truck that includes the engine and the cab. Tractors get terrific traction, because of their powerful engines and the deep ridges on their huge wheels. A cross-country skier needs traction to kick herself forward, but doesn't want it to slow her down when she's gliding, so the bottom of the skis may have a "fish-scale" surface that permits both of these at the same time.

Examples of traction in a Sentence

These tires get good traction on wet roads.

A patch of ice caused the car to lose traction.

She was in traction for three weeks after she broke her hip.

The bill failed to gain traction in the Senate.

We didn't get traction on this idea until the board took interest.

Recent Examples on the Web

But her effort did not gain traction, Hampson said. —ProPublica, 20 July 2025

In my view, understanding why this belief continues to gain traction is essential for understanding the current state of American democracy. —Art Jipson, The Conversation, 19 July 2025

That means expanding globally (Flite already has traction in Canada, London, Dubai, and India) and deepening the product. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 19 July 2025

As a first-time candidate, Foxx had been seen as an underdog in the months-long race, but her campaign appeared to gain traction as the primary neared. —Elena Moore, NPR, 18 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin traction-, tractio, from Latin trahere

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for traction

• action
• faction
• fraction
• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction

Kids Definition

traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn

2

: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail)

3

: a pulling force applied to a skeletal structure (as a broken bone) by using a special device

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction

Medical Definition

traction

noun

trac·​tion ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the pulling of or tension established in one body part by another

2

: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device or apparatus

a traction splint

also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force

a leg in traction