Definition of "tension" in English

noun

1. The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.

   • My tensions with Eric over his alleged past actions have been fully resolved.

2. A psychological state of being tense.

3. A feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc.; suspense.

4. (physics, engineering) The state of an elastic object which is stretched in a way which increases its length.

5. (physics, engineering) A force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or similar object (used with prepositions on, in, or of, e.g., "The tension in the cable is 1000 N", to convey that the same magnitude of force applies to objects attached to both ends).

6. (physics, engineering) Voltage.

verb

1. To place an object in tension, to pull or place strain on.

   • We tensioned the cable until it snapped.