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
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
The common thread is technology that removes friction, creates visibility and adapts to changing needs.
—
Alaa Pasha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For sure, this can prove too sanguine and perhaps there will be unanticipated economic friction ahead.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
On Friday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses some of the latest friction between President Donald Trump and parts of the MAGA movement.
—Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps minimize friction and can decrease knots the next day.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Alaa Pasha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For sure, this can prove too sanguine and perhaps there will be unanticipated economic friction ahead.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
On Friday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey discusses some of the latest friction between President Donald Trump and parts of the MAGA movement.
—Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps minimize friction and can decrease knots the next day.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for friction
Cite this Entry
“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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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