tense up

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Definition

  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To cause someone or something to become tense, uneasy, nervous, or anxious. It describes the action of inducing a state of physical or mental strain.

  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To become tense, nervous, or uneasy. It describes the process of entering a state of physical tightness or mental anxiety.
Usage and Examples

  • Transitive Verb (with an object):

    • The ominous news tensed up the entire team before the big game.
    • She didn't want to tense up her muscles before the massage.

  • Intransitive Verb (no object):

    • I always tense up during job interviews.
    • His shoulders tensed up from hours of working at the computer.
Advanced Usage and Notes
  • Reflexive Use: While often used intransitively, the meaning can be reflexive, implying one causes tension in oneself.
    • You need to relax and not tense up (yourself).
  • Common Contexts: This phrasal verb is frequently used in contexts related to stress, anticipation, physical exertion, or fear.
Variants and Related Words
  • Tense (verb/adjective): The root word. As a verb: to make or become tight or rigid. As an adjective: stretched tight; feeling or showing nervousness.
  • Tension (noun): The state of being stretched tight; mental or emotional strain.
Synonyms
  • Transitive: Stiffen, tighten, strain, unsettle, agitate.
  • Intransitive: Stiffen, tighten, freeze up, become anxious, become nervous.
Antonyms
  • Transitive: Relax, loosen, calm, soothe.
  • Intransitive: Relax, loosen up, unwind, calm down.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
  • Tense up is itself a phrasal verb. A related phrasal verb is:
    • Stress out: To cause or experience significant stress or anxiety.
      • Comparison: "Tense up" often describes a more immediate physical or momentary reaction, while "stress out" implies a longer-lasting state of mental pressure.
      • Example: The exam made him tense up, but the whole week of preparation stressed him out.
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

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