tension

A feeling of worry, anger, or fear that makes it difficult to relax.

• I felt tension in the room.
• Her joke eased the tension.
• There was growing tension as we waited for the results.

How to use it: tension in something (There was tension in the office before the announcement.)

Similar words: unease, strain, stress

Opposites: relaxation

Common phrases: tension in something, feel tension, ease tension

A difficult relationship or situation caused by opposing needs, interests, or forces.

• There is tension between the two teams.
• Tensions rose over the disputed border.
• She explored the tension between family duties and career goals.

How to use it: tension between A and B (There is tension between saving money and improving services.); tension with someone (His tension with the manager affected the whole team.); tension over something (Tension over trade increased between the countries.)

Similar words: friction, conflict, strain

Opposites: harmony

Common phrases: tension between groups, political tension, tension over something

The state of being stretched tight, or the force that makes something tight.

• The rope is under tension.
• Adjust the tension of the guitar strings.
• Too much tension can break the wire.

How to use it: under tension (The cable must remain under tension.); tension in something (Loosen the screw to reduce tension in the belt.)

Similar words: tightness

Opposites: slackness

Common phrases: rope tension, under tension, tension in something

The difference in electrical force between two points.

• The equipment operates at high tension.
• Engineers measured the electrical tension across the circuit.
• The old manual specifies a low tension for this supply.

Similar words: voltage, potential difference

Common phrases: high tension, low tension, electrical tension

To pull something tight or adjust how tightly it is stretched.

• Tension the cable before use.
• The mechanic tensioned the drive belt.
• Have you tensioned all the wires evenly?

Similar words: tighten

Opposites: loosen

Common phrases: tension a cable, tension a belt, tension a wire