tension

plural tensions

1. countableuncountableThe 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. countableuncountableA psychological state of being tense.
3. countableuncountableA feeling of nervousness, excitement, or fear that is created in a movie, book, etc.; suspense.

   1 more example

   This popular characterization of the Devil incorporates the Trickster archetype. Both are smart, energetic, lying, quick to take advantage of an opportunity. Both have latent narrative appeal in their generation of tension and conflict, their unpredictability, their defiance of hierarchy and authority.

   1983, Wendy Griswold, “The Devil's Techniques: Cultural Legitimation and Social Change”, in American Sociological Review, volume 48, number 5, page 670b of 668–680

4. countableuncountableengineeringThe state of an elastic object which is stretched in a way which increases its length.
5. countableuncountableengineeringA 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).

   Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights.

   1959 June 28, “Clacton and Walton Electrification”, in Railway Magazine, page 379

6. countableuncountableengineeringVoltage.

present singular third person tensions · participle present tensioning · participle past tensioned · past tensioned

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

   We tensioned the cable until it snapped.