1. A mental or nervous strain, often accompanied by muscular stiffness: After completing her physics examination, Margie could feel the tension in her shoulders and she had to use a heating pad to help her relax.
2. A state of strained relations; uneasiness due to mutual hostility: In the following years after the conflict between the two nations stopped, the tensions continued, fueled by distrust.
3. The stress on a material produced by pulling tends to cause lengthening or elongations: When sewing the seam on her new dress, Virginia was careful to maintain an even tension so the fabric would not become wrinkled.
4. In physiology and pathology, the condition of being stretched or strained in any part of the body; a sensation indicating or suggesting this; a feeling of tightness: In anticipation of running the marathon at school, Pamela could feel the tension building in her leg muscles and frequently massaged them to overcome the discomfort.