tension

• État de ce qui est tendu ou étiré, ainsi que sentiment de nervosité, de stress ou de relations hostiles entre personnes ou groupes.

A noun referring to a state of being stretched tight, or a feeling of nervousness, stress, or strained relations between people or groups.

1. B1formal

   A state of mental or emotional strain, anxiety, or nervousness.

   tension nerveuse

   • The tension in the room was palpable before the announcement.
   • She felt a lot of tension before her job interview.
   • Yoga helps relieve tension and stress.

   Synonymesagitationanxietyapprehensionnervousnesspressurestrainstresstensenessuneaseworry

   Antonymescalmcomposureeasepeacerelaxationserenity

2. Strained relationshipB2formal

   A strained or hostile relationship between people, groups, or countries.

   tension (relations tendues)

   • There is growing tension between the two neighboring countries.
   • The meeting was filled with tension between the rival teams.
   • Family tensions often arise during the holidays.

   Synonymesantagonismdiscordfrictionhostilityriftstrainstrifeunease

   Antonymesaccordharmonypeacerapportunderstanding

3. Physical force or tightnessB1formal

   The state of being stretched tight; the force exerted by a stretched object.

   tension mécanique

   • The tension in the rope was too high, and it snapped.
   • Engineers calculated the tension on the bridge cables.
   • The muscles in his neck were full of tension.

   Synonymespressurepullstrainstresstautnesstensitytightness

   Antonymesloosenessrelaxationslackness