tense up

/tɛns əp/

Other forms: tensed up; tensing up

Definitions of tense up

1. verb

   become tense, nervous, or uneasy
   synonyms: tense

   type of:

   change state, turn

   undergo a transformation or a change of position or action
2. verb

   cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
   synonyms: strain, tense

   types:

   extend, stretch

   extend one's limbs or muscles, or the entire body

   spread-eagle

   stretch out completely

   crane, stretch out

   stretch (the neck) so as to see better

   type of:

   affect

   act physically on; have an effect upon