# traction

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈtɹæk.ʃən/ · frequency rank #9,972

## Definitions
1. The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.
2. The condition of being so pulled.
3. Grip.
4. The pulling power of an engine or animal.
5. The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface.
6. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.
7. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.
8. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.
9. A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.
10. Collectively, the locomotives of a railroad, especially electric locomotives.

## Etymology
From Medieval Latin tractio, from Latin tractus, perfect passive participle of verb trahere (“pull”), + noun of action suffix -io (genitive -ionis).

## Easily confused with
- **tractor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/traction-vs-tractor)
- **tradition** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/traction-vs-tradition)

## Common misspellings (13)
`rtaction`, `tarction`, `tracction`, `traciton`, `tracsion`, `tractino`, `tractionn`, `tractoin`, `tracttion`, `tratcion`, `trcation`, `trraction`, `ttraction`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/traction