tension /ten′shən/ [L, tendere, to stretch] , 1. the act of pulling or straining until taut. 2. the condition of being taut, tense, or under pressure. 3. a state or condition resulting from the psychological and physiological reaction to a stressful situation. It is characterized physically by a general increase in muscle tonus, heart rate, respiration rate, and alertness and psychologically by feelings of strain, uneasiness, irritability, and anxiety. See also stress.
