- present participle of tense.
tensing
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After a difficult doctor’s appointment with her mother recently, Thompson says she felt her whole body tensing up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 29, 2025
"Sometimes, I catch myself tensing up," Justin said.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2023
“I’m tensing up. There’s a lot of stuff I can do to protect myself.”
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 8, 2023
She said she doesn't recall hearing any bang from the explosion, but remembers tensing after feeling a large gust of wind hitting her.
From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2023
Will’s did, too, and both children climbed down, finding themselves stiff and shaken after the continued jolting and tensing.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
