tense (EN)

noun, adjective, verb

noun “tense”

1. (grammar) a property of verbs showing when an action happens
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   In English, we use different tenses to talk about actions that happened yesterday, are happening now, or will happen tomorrow.

adjective “tense”

1. (of a person) not relaxed, nervous, worried
   Before his speech, John felt so tense that his hands were shaking.
2. stretched tight, not loose
   The rope was so tense that it felt like it could snap at any moment.
3. (of a situation) in which people feel a lot of worry or anger
   The situation was tense as everyone awaited the boss's decision on layoffs.

verb “tense”

1. (of muscles) to make tight
   Feeling nervous, she tensed her shoulders, making them stiff.