tense up

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.

Curtis seemed to tense up amid the smooth onslaught.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

"I saw him tense up a little bit, but the balls were quite old there, so every rally was a war."

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist based in Tennessee, is trying to use social media mindfully, mostly by actively noticing when she’s starting to tense up or grind her teeth.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2024

"We ignore them during the day, but our souls tense up when they ring at night," said resident Daniela Tanase.

From Reuters • Sep. 5, 2023

Akira waited, trying to see and hear whatever it was that had made Dodger tense up.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz