(~r, ~st, ~s, tensing, ~d)
1.
A ~ 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 ~ atmosphere at the talks...
After three very ~ weeks he phoned again...
ADJ
2.
If you are ~, you are anxious and nervous and cannot relax.
Dart, who had at first been very ~, at last relaxed.
ADJ
~ly
She waited ~ly for the next bulletin...
ADV: usu ADV with v
~ness
McKay walked slowly toward this screen, feeling a growing ~ness.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If your body is ~, your muscles are tight and not relaxed.
A bath can relax ~ muscles.
ADJ
~ness
If you feel a ~ness around the eyes, relax your muscles.
N-UNCOUNT
4.
If your muscles ~, if you ~, or if you ~ your muscles, your muscles become tight and stiff, often because you are anxious or frightened.
Newman’s stomach muscles ~d...
Jane ~d her muscles to stop them from shaking.
VERB: V, V n
•
Tense up means the same as ~ .
When we are under stress our bodies tend to ~ up...
Tense up the muscles in both of your legs.
PHRASAL VERB: V P, V P n (not pron), also V n P
5.
The ~ of a verb group is its form, which usually shows whether you are referring to past, present, or future time.
N-COUNT