tense

[[t]te̱ns[/t]]

tenses, tensing, tensed, tenser, tensest

1) ADJ-GRADED A tense situation or period of time is one that makes people anxious, because they do not know what is going to happen next.

This gesture of goodwill did little to improve the tense atmosphere at the talks...

After three very tense weeks he phoned again...

There was a tense silence.

2) ADJ-GRADED If you are tense, you are anxious and nervous and cannot relax.

Dart, who had at first been very tense, at last relaxed.

Derived words:

tensely ADV-GRADED usu ADV with v

She waited tensely for the next bulletin...

`Tony, I can explain everything,' she said tensely.

tenseness N-UNCOUNT

McKay walked slowly toward this screen, feeling a growing tenseness.

3) ADJ-GRADED If your body is tense, your muscles are tight and not relaxed.

She lay, eyes shut, body tense...

A bath can relax tense muscles.

Derived words:

tenseness N-UNCOUNT

If you feel a tenseness around the eyes, relax your muscles.

4) V-ERG If your muscles tense, if you tense, or if you tense your muscles, your muscles become tight and stiff, often because you are anxious or frightened.

Newman's stomach muscles tensed...

He tensed as the big West Indian gripped his shoulder...

[V n] Jane tensed her muscles to stop them from shaking.

PHR-V-ERG

Tense up means the same as tense.

V P When we are under stress our bodies tend to tense up... V P I tried not to tense up, or become obviously wary... Also V n P V P n (not pron) Tense up the muscles in both of your legs.

5) N-COUNT The tense of a verb group is its form, which usually shows whether you are referring to past, present, or future time. Compare aspect.

It was as though Corinne was already dead: they were speaking of her in the past tense.

Phrasal Verbs:

- tense up