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.
When I’m telling one of those stories and I see someone tense up worrying how to react, I’d inevitably pull back and veer off.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2024
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
We often play Brianstorm near the beginning and I have to try not to tense up too much for that very reason.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2023
After a while I would tense up anytime Mrs. Conway called on me.
From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers
