Definition of tense

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  • tense is a valid Scrabble US word with a point value of 5
  • tense is a valid Scrabble UK word with a point value of 5
  • tense is a valid Words with friends word with a point value of 6

Definition of tense

  • cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious (verb)

    Examples

    1. he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up

    Synonyms

    1. strain
    2. tense up
  • become stretched or tense or taut (verb)

    Examples

    1. the bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed

    Synonyms

    1. strain
  • become tense, nervous, or uneasy (verb)

    Examples

    1. He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room

    Synonyms

    1. tense up
  • a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time (noun)
  • increase the tension on (verb)

    Examples

    1. alternately relax and tense your calf muscle
    2. tense the rope manually before tensing the spring
  • in or of a state of physical or nervous tension (adjective)
  • pronounced with relatively tense tongue muscles (e.g., the vowel sound in `beat') (adjective)
  • taut or rigid; stretched tight (adjective)

    Examples

    1. tense piano strings

See definition of tense in Merriam Webster