definition of
tension

[1] #1 tension n. [tenseness, stress] (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense; "he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension"; "stress is a vasoconstrictor". wn

[2] #2 tension n. [tensity, tenseness, tautness] the physical condition of being stretched or strained; "it places great tension on the leg muscles"; "he could feel the tenseness of her body". wn

[3] #3 tension n. a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature); "there is a tension created between narrative time and movie time"; "there is a tension between these approaches to understanding history". wn

[4] #4 tension n. (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body; "the direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear". wn

[5] #5 tension n. [latent hostility] feelings of hostility that are not manifest; "he could sense her latent hostility to him"; "the diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions". wn