tenseness

Noun
Synonyms: tensiontensitytautnessstress

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the physical condition of being stretched or strained“it places great tension on the leg muscles”“he could feel the tenseness of her body”Synonyms: tensiontensitytautness
  2. (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense“he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension”“stress is a vasoconstrictor”Synonyms: tensionstress
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Tense \Tense\, a. [L. tensus, p. p. of tendere to stretch. See Tend to move, and cf. Toise.] Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a tense fiber. [1913 Webster]

The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness was upon her. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster] -- Tense"ly, adv. -- Tense"ness, n. [1913 Webster]

Advertisement