1. tense, tense up

become tense, nervous, or uneasy

Example Sentences:
'He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room'

Synonyms

• tense

2. strain, tense, tense up

cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious

Example Sentences:
'he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up'

Synonyms

• strain
• tense