tense up

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Explanation of "Tense Up"

Definition: "Tense up" is a verb phrase that means to become tight, stiff, or anxious. When someone "tenses up," it usually happens when they are nervous, worried, or under stress.

Usage Instructions

You can use "tense up" when talking about a situation that causes someone to feel anxious or when describing someone's physical reaction to fear or stress.

Examples

1. Basic Example:

   • When the teacher asked a difficult question, many students tensed up.

2. Advanced Example:

   • She tensed up before her presentation, feeling the weight of everyone’s expectations.

Word Variants

• Tense (adjective): Feeling anxious or nervous (e.g., "He felt tense before the exam.")
• Tension (noun): The state of being stretched tight or mental/emotional strain (e.g., "There was a lot of tension in the room.")
• Tensed (verb): The past form of tense up (e.g., "He tensed up after hearing the news.")

Different Meanings

1. Physical Meaning: Referring to muscles becoming tight.

   • Example: "I tensed up my muscles while lifting weights."

2. Emotional Meaning: Referring to feelings of anxiety or stress.

   • Example: "He tensed up when he heard a loud noise."

Synonyms

• Tighten up
• Stiffen
• Get anxious
• Become nervous

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "tense up" is a straightforward phrase, here are some related expressions: - "Bite your nails": To show anxiety or nervousness. - "Get cold feet": To become nervous or anxious about a decision.

Conclusion

"Tense up" is a useful phrase to describe both physical and emotional reactions to stress or anxiety.

Academic

Verb

1. cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
   • he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up
2. become tense, nervous, or uneasy
   • He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room

Synonyms

• tense
• strain