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to tense up
[phrase form: tense]
01
to create a state of tension and discomfort
Examples
The unexpected news about the project delay tensed up the entire team.
Public speaking tends to tense him up, making him nervous.
02
to feel nervous without any specific reason
Examples
Whenever he enters a crowded room, he tends to tense up.
As the roller coaster climbed to its peak, passengers began to tense up.
