tension

noun:the state of being stretched tight or under strain, often by the application of force
- The rope was under great tension as the climbers hauled themselves up the cliff.
noun:mental or emotional strain, often from a situation of uncertainty or conflict
- She felt a lot of tension before the important job interview.
noun:a relationship between people or groups characterized by a lack of trust and potential for conflict
- Political tensions between the two countries have been rising for months.
verb:to apply force to make something tight, stretched, or under strain
- He tensed the canvas before painting to keep it from sagging.