1 B1 neutral
To become physically stiff or rigid, usually because of stress, fear, or cold.
"He tends to tense up in his shoulders and neck when he's under pressure."
tense up
B1 neutral intransitive
To become physically stiff or emotionally anxious and guarded, usually in response to stress or fear.
In plain English
When your body or mind gets tight and nervous — like when you hear a loud bang and all your muscles go rigid.
What does "tense up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To become emotionally anxious, guarded, or nervous.
"She always tensed up whenever the conversation turned to her family."
Usage tip
Refers to both the physical sensation of muscles tightening and the emotional state of becoming nervous or guarded. Very common in everyday speech and sports contexts. Often followed by a reason introduced by 'when' or 'at'.
Words that pair with "tense up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
muscles shoulders body nerves athlete interview
How to conjugate "tense up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tense up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tenses up
he/she/it
Past simple
tensed up
yesterday
Past participle
tensed up
have + pp
-ing form
tensing up
continuous
Hear "tense up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tense up"
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