tension
noun uk/ˈten.ʃən/ us/ˈten.ʃən/
(FEELING)
B2 [ U ]（精神上的）紧张，焦虑，焦急
a feeling of nervousness before an important or difficult event
You could feel the tension in the room as we waited for our exam results. 我们等待考试结果出来的时候，你可以感觉到屋子里的紧张气氛。
B2 [ C usually plural or U ]（互不信任的人群之间的）紧张关系;紧张局势
a feeling of fear or anger between two groups of people who do not trust each other
ethnic/racial tension 民族／种族间的紧张关系
There are growing tensions between the two countries. 两国间的关系日益紧张。
- More examples
- The tension in the office just dissolves when she walks out.
- After the arrival of the United Nations soldiers, tension in the area began to ease.
- His speeches fanned the flames of racial tension.
- Many social workers are in the front line of racial tension.
- The strong police presence only heightened the tension among the crowd.
(STRETCH)
[ U ]（铁丝或绳子的）拉力，张力
The tension of a wire or rope is the degree to which it is stretched.