friction
FRIK-shuhn
/ˈfrɪkʃən/
The resistance that one surface encounters when moving over another; conflict or clash of wills.
Can be physical (rubbing surfaces) or interpersonal (social irritation and disagreement caused by differences in opinion).
The story behind the word. Friction comes from the Latin 'frictio', meaning 'a rubbing', from the verb 'fricare' (to rub). While it began as a purely physical term for the resistance between two moving surfaces, it naturally slid into social contexts to describe interpersonal rubbing and irritation.
Word relationships
- tension: Tension is a state of silent, stretched stress; friction is the active, irritating rubbing together of opposing forces.
- discord: Discord is a lack of harmony or agreement in ideas, while friction is the irritation caused by that lack of agreement.
- harmony: Harmony is a state of smooth, cooperative agreement with zero social resistance.
- lubrication: Lubrication is the physical reduction of resistance, or metaphorically, actions that smooth over social difficulties.
Commonly confused with
- fiction: Friction is resistance or conflict; fiction is literature in the form of prose that describes imaginary events.
Word family
- frictional (adjective): Relating to or caused by friction.
- frictionless (adjective): Achieved without any friction or resistance.
Collocations
- cause friction
- reduce friction
- interpersonal friction
- political friction
Example sentences
- "The constant disagreements over the budget created friction between the business partners, eventually dissolving their alliance." Interpersonal relations
Memory hook
FRICTION is the conflict that occurs when two opposing forces are in a FRIC-assee of disagreement. Rubbing surfaces causing heat and irritation.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a violent, open war; friction is the underlying irritation and minor clashes that precede a major conflict.
Fun facts
- In economics, 'transaction friction' refers to any barrier, fee, or delay that slows down the smooth exchange of goods or services.
Related words
Explore more words
discord, clash, dissonance, confrontation, animosity, conflict
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