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
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
See all Example Sentences for friction 
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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
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 22 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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