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tension

tension

noun tahn-SYOHN Less Common

Also means

stress

Usage Note

Tension covers physical tension (electrical voltage, mechanical stress) and interpersonal or emotional tension. Tension artérielle means 'blood pressure', a very common medical usage. The expression la tension monte means 'tensions are rising', used in both political and personal contexts.

Examples

"La tension entre eux était palpable."

Natural Translation

The tension between them was palpable.

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