tension
/ˈtɛnʃən/noun
A feeling of nervousness, worry, or unfriendliness that makes people unable to relax, often between people or groups.
Example sentences
- “You could feel the tension in the room as they waited for the results.”
- “There has been tension between the two brothers since the argument.”
- “A good joke can help ease the tension in a meeting.”
Common verbs are 'ease', 'reduce', and 'cause' tension. The plural 'tensions' is used for conflict between countries or groups: 'rising tensions'.