tension

views updated May 17 2018

ten·sion / ˈtenshən/ • n. 1. the state of being stretched tight: the parachute keeps the cable under tension as it drops. ∎  the state of having the muscles stretched tight, esp. as causing strain or discomfort: the elimination of neck tension can relieve headaches. ∎  a strained state or condition resulting from forces acting in opposition to each other. ∎  the degree of tightness of stitches in knitting and machine sewing. ∎  electromotive force.2. mental or emotional strain: a mind that is affected by stress or tension cannot think as clearly. ∎  a strained political or social state or relationship: the coup followed months of tension between the military and the government | racial tensions. ∎  a relationship between ideas or qualities with conflicting demands or implications: the basic tension between freedom and control.• v. [tr.] apply a force to (something) that tends to stretch it.DERIVATIVES: ten·sion·al / -shənl/ adj.ten·sion·al·ly / -shənl-ē/ adv.ten·sion·er n.ten·sion·less adj.

Tension

views updated May 18 2018

Tension ★★ 1950

Nice guy Warren Quimby (Basehart) has modest ambitions: a steady job, a house, and a loving wife. Well, two out of three…seems sultry Mrs. Q (Totter) is bored, so she finds a wealthy beachboy brute (Gough) to satisfy her itch. When Warren finds out, he plots to assume a new identity, kill the interloper, and get the missus back. But things don't work out as intended—putting Warren in the crosshairs of cynical detective Bonnabel (Sullivan). 95m/B DVD . Richard Basehart, Audrey Totter, Barry Sullivan, Cyd Charisse, Lloyd Gough, William Conrad; D: John Berry; W: Allen Rivkin; C: Harry Stradling Sr.; M: Andre Previn.

tension

views updated Jun 11 2018

tension Molecular forces associated with the boundary layer of a liquid. It makes a liquid behave as if there were a ‘skin’ on the surface. Attractive forces in this skin tend to resist disruption, so that a needle or razor blade placed carefully on the surface floats, even though its density is many times that of the liquid.