French word

crispation

Pronunciation

IPA/kʁispasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nountension

Example

Je ressens une crispation avant de parler.

I feel tension before speaking.

Illustration for crispation (tension)

More examples

Cette remarque a provoqué une crispation parmi les participants.

This remark created tension among the participants.

Core concept

A short-lived knot of tension visible as stiffness and audible as a cutting edge in speech.

Common phrases

  • provoquer une crispation

    create tension

  • des crispations dans le groupe

    tensions in the group

Similar words

tension: A sustained feeling of tightness or pressure in the mind or muscles.
stress: A state of heavy mental or physical strain caused by outside burdens or pressure.
nervosité: A continuing state of restlessness, unease, and nervous tension.
anxiété: Persistent, intense worry and unease about the future.

Definition in French

État de nervosité de courte durée, souvent accompagné d'une raideur corporelle ou d'une irritation perceptible dans la voix ou les gestes.

Word origin

Crispation is a derivative of French crisper; that verb ultimately goes back to Latin crispus, whose ideas of curling and wrinkling developed toward physical contraction.

Usage tips

  • The final -tion in crispation is pronounced like French /sjɔ̃/, not like the English ending in station.

Other meanings

  • stiffnessnoun
  • irritationnoun

Opposites

  • apaisementappeasementnoun
  • détenteeasenoun

Related words

  • crisperannoyverb
  • crispantannoyingadjective

Word lists with this word