tension

(eg. grace, literature, vexed )

tension /ˈtɛn ʃən/ ?

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(n) (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
(n) the physical condition of being stretched or strained
(n) a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)
(n) (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body
(n) feelings of hostility that are not manifest
(n) the action of stretching something tight

Far from helping ease the tension, politicians have sought to exploit it.
Why gay couples have more equality and less tension at home--but still split up more often than straight pairs.
Hate Buster Key to the city Amsterdam mayor Job Cohens inclusive policies have defused racial tension and kept tolerance alive.

"It's a really high-tension situation," said Jackson. "Players have come down to putting a lot on the line at this particular point. A lot of times it's not about the coaching at that point. They've already got it in them. It's about who...
on Jun 16, 2010 By: Phil Jackson Source: ESPN
Kim told Wang that Pyongyang is "dedicated to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and hoped to peacefully coexist with all sides and would not like to see tension in the peninsula," China's official Xinhua news agency said.
on Jan 22, 2009 By: Kim Jong Il Source: International Herald Tribune
...include the return of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have fled to Jordan, Syria and beyond, a repatriation which Crocker said must be handled carefully "so it doesn't sow the seeds of new tension and instability."
on Dec 24, 2006 By: Ryan Crocker Source: 940 News