Word

tense, v.
(tensed, tenses, tensing)

cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
<verb.body> freq. cnt.: 1 freq. cnt.: 1

strain tense tense up

sample sentences

"he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up"

verb frames

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s somebody

verb frames

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s somebody

verb frames

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s somebody

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

strain

antonym

unstrain

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

tension

antonym

relax

semantic pointers

hypernym

affect

cause

tense, tense up

hyponym

stretch, extend

become tense, nervous, or uneasy
<verb.body>

tense tense up

sample sentences

"He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room"

verb frames

Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Somebody's (body part) ----s

verb frames

Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Somebody's (body part) ----s

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

tensor tension

antonym

relax

semantic pointers

hypernym

turn, change state

increase the tension on
<verb.change>

tense

sample sentences

"alternately relax and tense your calf muscle"
"tense the rope manually before tensing the spring"

verb frames

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

tension tension

semantic pointers

hypernym

change, alter, modify

become stretched or tense or taut
<verb.contact>

strain tense

sample sentences

"the bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed"
"the rope strained when the weight was attached"

verb frames

Something ----s

verb frames

Something ----s

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

strain

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

tension tension

semantic pointers

hypernym

tighten