tensely Definition

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.