tensed Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb become stretched or tense or taut
   strain; tense.
   
   • the bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed
   • "the rope strained when the weight was attached
2. verb increase the tension on
   tense.
   
   • alternately relax and tense your calf muscle
   • tense the rope manually before tensing the spring
3. verb become tense, nervous, or uneasy
   tense up; tense.
   
   • He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room
4. verb cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
   strain; tense up; tense.
   
   • he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up
5. adjective satellite having inflections to indicate tense
   

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