tense Definition

tense¹
noun

1. grammar.
A form or set of forms of a verb showing the time of its action in relation to the time of speaking and whether that action is completed or not, eg past tense, present tense, future tense.

Etymology: 13c: from French tens, from Latin tempus time.

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tense²
adj tenser, tensest

1. Feeling, showing or marked by emotional, nervous or mental strain.

Thesaurus: overwrought, stressful, nervous, uptight (slang), edgy, uneasy, anxious, jittery, apprehensive, taut, rigid.
2. Tightly stretched; taut.

verb

tr & intr
tensed, tensing
1. To make or become tense.

Form: tense up (often)

Derivative: tensely
adverb

Derivative: tenseness
noun

Etymology: 17c: from Latin tendere, tensum to stretch.