n. 25B6; noun
the tension of the rope : TIGHTNESS, tautness, rigidity; pull, traction.
the tension was unbearable : STRAIN, stress, anxiety, pressure; worry, apprehensiveness, apprehension, agitation, nerves, nervousness, jumpiness, edginess, restlessness; suspense, uncertainty, anticipation, excitement; informal butterflies (in one's stomach), collywobbles.
months of tension between the military and the government : STRAINED RELATIONS, strain; ill feeling, friction, antagonism, antipathy, hostility, enmity.