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

frictionless

ˈfrik-shən-ləs 

adjective

frictionlessly adverb

Synonyms

• conflict
• disaccord
• discord
• discordance
• discordancy
• disharmony
• dissension
• dissention
• dissent
• dissidence
• dissonance
• disunion
• disunity
• division
• infighting
• inharmony
• schism
• strife
• variance
• war
• warfare

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

If the trash were in a lower Earth orbit, like around the distance from Earth to the International Space Station, debris would break down due to friction. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

Wear them beneath any V-neck sweater or sweater dress for a very chic look that doesn’t cause any friction or add bulk to the arms. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

Managing endpoint devices for users should be based on radical simplicity so employees can experience less friction while using their unique IT infrastructure. —Douglas Murray, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

If elected, Kamala Harris is expected to largely continue the policies of the Biden administration, which have been supportive of Ukraine despite some friction points, like the use of Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia. —Lauren Kent, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier, therapeutic rubbing of the limbs, from Middle French, from Latin friction-, frictio, from fricare to rub; akin to Latin friare to crumble, and perhaps to Sanskrit bhrīṇanti they injure

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing friction

• friction clutch
• friction drive
• friction tape

Kids 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

frictional

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

frictionally

-ē

adverb

frictionless

-ləs 

adjective

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