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
Synonyms
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
Moments of friction with China spurred India’s search for stronger partnerships.
—
Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
The latter studs the surface of a ball like barnacles to enhance friction, yet the material still spreads thin and even, like toothpaste.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Compared to a mechanical switch, where two pieces of metal are pressed together to complete a circuit, a Hall effect switch can potentially have zero friction.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, with Pluto in your relationship sector, friction with a partner, friend or significant other is very likely.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for friction 
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Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
The latter studs the surface of a ball like barnacles to enhance friction, yet the material still spreads thin and even, like toothpaste.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Compared to a mechanical switch, where two pieces of metal are pressed together to complete a circuit, a Hall effect switch can potentially have zero friction.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, with Pluto in your relationship sector, friction with a partner, friend or significant other is very likely.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for friction
Dictionary Entries Near friction
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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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