Words For Conflict And Tension

noun harshness or severity, especially in tone or manner

• The asperity of his tone indicated his displeasure with the situation.
• She didn't appreciate the asperity in his voice when he criticized her work.
• The asperity in her words was a real buzzkill for the party.
• The asperity of winter's chill bit into their bones as they trudged through the snow.

verb past participle of the verb 'fright'

adjective filled or laden with something undesirable or negative

• The negotiations were fraught with tension as both parties struggled to find common ground.
• Her relationship with her boss has become fraught with misunderstandings and disagreements.
• The situation is so fraught right now, I don't even know how to deal with it.
• The air was fraught with anticipation as the final decision was about to be announced.