friction
noun/ˈfrɪkʃn/
/ˈfrɪkʃn/
- [uncountable] the action of one object or surface moving against another
- Friction between moving parts had caused the engine to overheat.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + friction- cause
- generate
- produce
- …
- [uncountable] (physics) the resistance (= the force that stops something moving) of one surface to another surface or substance moving over or through it
- The force of friction slows the spacecraft down as it re-enters the earth's atmosphere.
- Rubbing the stones together produces friction.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + friction- cause
- generate
- produce
- …
- [uncountable, countable] a lack of friendship or agreement among people who have different opinions about something synonym tension
- conflicts and frictions that have still to be resolved
- friction between A and B friction between neighbours
Extra ExamplesTopics Opinion and argumentc2- His decision led to considerable friction in his family.
- I'm exhausted from the constant friction between my boss and my colleagues.
- friction between the two groups
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- considerable
- increasing
- constant
- …
- cause
- create
- generate
- …
- friction between
- friction with
- a cause of friction
- a source of friction
Word Originmid 16th cent. (denoting ‘chafing’ or ‘rubbing of the body or limbs’, formerly much used in medical treatment): via French from Latin frictio(n-), from fricare ‘to rub’.
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friction