Friction is the force that resists motion when two surfaces rub against each other. It can also mean tension or conflict between people or groups.
From Latin “frictio” meaning “a rubbing,” from “fricare” (to rub). It entered English first in the physical sense, then gained a social meaning.
Without friction you couldn’t walk, write, or hold anything—your feet and hands would just slide. Social ‘friction’ works the same way: a little resistance can help shape better ideas, but too much stops everything from moving.
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