1. mental or emotional strain; stress or anxiety
2. strained relations between people, groups, or countries
3. the state of being stretched tight; physical tightness

Examples

• The tensions in the office were obvious after the layoffs were announced.
• Rising tensions between the two countries led to diplomatic talks.
• She felt the tensions in her shoulders after sitting at the computer all day.
• Political tensions have been building for months.
• The rope snapped due to excessive tensions.
• Family tensions arose during the holiday gathering.
• The massage helped relieve the tensions in her neck muscles.