friction

noun

fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
Synonyms of frictionnext
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 How to pronounce friction (audio)
adjective
frictionlessly adverb

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 What’s causing a lot of friction is those people who don’t want to, who want to hold on to the past. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Apr. 2024 Sleeping on silk helps protect skin and hair from friction damage. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for friction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'friction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of friction was in 1704

Phrases Containing friction

Dictionary Entries Near friction

fricking

friction

frictional

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

friction

noun
fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
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 How to pronounce friction (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on friction

Nglish: Translation of friction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of friction for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about friction

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