Tension (en. Tension)

/tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
State of physical or moral tension.
The tension in his muscles is palpable after a long workout.
La tension dans ses muscles est palpable après un long entraînement.
Pressure exerted on a wire or cable.
He measured the tension in the cable to ensure it was secure.
Il a mesuré la tension dans le câble pour s'assurer qu'il était sécurisé.
Latent conflict between several people or groups.
There has been tension between the two teams since the last match.
Il y a une tension entre les deux équipes depuis le dernier match.

Etymology

From the Latin 'tensionem', meaning 'tension, stretching'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

blood pressure
Measurement of blood pressure in the arteries.
tension artérielle
nervous tension
State of anxiety or mental stress.
tension nerveuse
muscle tension
State where the muscles are under pressure or contracted.
tension musculaire

Related Words

stress
State of mental or emotional overload.
stress
anxiety
State of apprehension or worry.
anxiété
conflict
Opposition or disagreement between individuals or groups.
conflit

Slang Meanings

Tension in a difficult situation.
The tension was palpable in the room during the debate.
La tension était palpable dans la salle pendant le débat.
An atmosphere of conflict or anxiety.
There was tension in the air after the discussion.
Il y avait de la tension dans l'air après la discussion.