friction
noun
fric·tion
ˈfrik-shən 
1
a
: the rubbing of one body against another
the friction of sandpaper on wood
b
: the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact
oil in a car engine reduces friction
2
: the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : disagreement
friction between neighbors
friction between state and federal authorities
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
frictionlessly
adverb
Examples of friction in a Sentence
the friction of sandpaper on wood
Oil in a car engine reduces friction.
It was difficult to reach an agreement because of the friction between the two sides.
Recent Examples on the Web
Burke acknowledged the friction to us, but also expressed admiration for Preckwinkle’s administrative skills and professionalism.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Ebikes are a perfect solution for getting around cities — but rogue designs that aren’t legal on UK roads need to be addressed, as do other sources of friction.
—Nicole Kobie, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
This led to a bit of early friction between Herrmann and Robin Wang, the director of his first ReelShort project, who listened patiently to the actor’s copious script notes.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
The Senate is taking the same approach on other points of friction.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Ebikes are a perfect solution for getting around cities — but rogue designs that aren’t legal on UK roads need to be addressed, as do other sources of friction.
—Nicole Kobie, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
This led to a bit of early friction between Herrmann and Robin Wang, the director of his first ReelShort project, who listened patiently to the actor’s copious script notes.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
The Senate is taking the same approach on other points of friction.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
friction
noun
fric·tion
ˈfrik-shən
1
a
: the rubbing of one thing against another
b
: the force that resists motion between bodies in contact
the friction of a box sliding along the floor
lubrication reduces friction
2
: disagreement between persons or groups
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
Etymology
Middle English friction "a rubbing of two things together, friction," from early French friction or Latin friction-, frictio (both same meaning), derived from Latin fricare "to rub" — related to fray entry 2
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