tension
UK/'tenʃәn/US
NGSL 3kIELTSTOEFLGREB1
Definitions
n.
Mental or emotional strain; nervous anxiety
（精神、情绪上的）紧张，焦虑
n.
A strained relationship or conflict between people or groups
（人或群体间的）紧张关系，矛盾
n.
The state of being stretched tight; a pulling or stretching force
拉紧的状态；张力，拉力
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtens (the tensum form of tend, "stretch") + -ion (state) = "the state of being stretched." A guitar string under tension, tense muscles, or a tense standoff between two nations are all the same picture: something pulled tight, ready to snap. Physical pulling force and emotional strain share one root image.
Root tend still carries 40 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.ease tension缓和紧张局势
- 2.racial tension种族紧张关系
- 3.tension between……之间的矛盾
- 4.surface tension表面张力
Example Sentences
- 1.
You could feel the tension in the room before the results were announced.
- 2.
There has been growing tension between the two countries.
- 3.
Adjust the tension of the strings until the note sounds right.