friction

noun

The rubbing of one object or surface against another.

(physics) A force that resists the relative motion or tendency to such motion of two bodies in contact.

(figuratively) Conflict, as between persons having dissimilar ideas or interests; clash.

(medicine, obsolete, countable) Massage of the body to restore circulation.

(China, historical) (Second Sino-Japanese War) Conflict, as between the Communists and non-Hanjian Kuomintang forces.

Roots

fricofrict- · Latin · rub

Synonyms for friction

frictionaladj rubbingn clashn chafingn discordn dissensionn abrasionn strifen disagreementn attritionn antagonismn disharmonyn animosityn conflictn pressuren

Synonyms & related words for friction

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of friction — including frictional, rubbing, clash, chafing, discord, dissension. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to friction

Explore words related to friction — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include antifriction, detrition, frictionally, frictionless, tensions, frication, slickenside, lubrication. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for friction

Common synonyms for friction include frictional, rubbing, clash, chafing, discord, dissension, abrasion, strife — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does friction come from?

The word friction breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root frict-, from Latin frico (“rub”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.