tensed

(verb) become stretched or tense or taut. Synonyms: strain, tense. Example: "The bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed;" "the rope strained when the weight was attached."

(verb) increase the tension on. Synonyms: tense. Examples: "Alternately relax and tense your calf muscle." "Tense the rope manually before tensing the spring."

(verb) become tense, nervous, or uneasy. Synonyms: tense, tense up. Example: "He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room."

(verb) cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious. Synonyms: tense, strain, tense up. Example: "He got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up."

(adj) having inflections to indicate tense.