tense

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A form of a verb that shows when an action happens, such as past, present, or future.

   In English, the past tense of 'go' is 'went'.

2. 2
   verb

   To become nervous, worried, or unable to relax.

   She tensed up when she heard footsteps behind her.

3. 3
   verb

   To make a muscle tight and stiff.

   He tensed his arm to show his muscles.

From Middle English tens, from Old French tens (modern French temps), from Latin tempus. Doublet of tempo and tempus.

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