See Also: tense 1, adjective(dictionary)
tense(encyclopedia)
tense(medicine)
TENSE(law)
tense(1)(dictionary)
tense(2)(dictionary)
tense 3, noun(dictionary)
present tense(dictionary)
tense 2, verb(dictionary)
tense pulse(medicine)

tense 1, adjective (oh)



[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Latin; Origin: 'stretched', from the past participle of tendere; TEND]
a situation in which you feel very anxious and worried because of something bad that might happen
-see also tension tension
tense situation/atmosphere/moment etc
::Marion spoke, eager to break the tense silence.
feeling worried, uncomfortable, and unable to relax
::Is anything wrong? You look a little tense.
unable to relax your body or part of your body because your muscles feel tight
-see also tension tension
::Massage is great if your neck and back are tense.
::She tried to relax her tense muscles.
-- tensely adv
-- tenseness n [U]