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Tensing: meaning, definitions and examples

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tensing

 

[ ˈtɛnsɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

muscle contraction

Tensing refers to the act of tightening or becoming firm, especially in relation to muscles. When a person tenses their muscles, they are contracting them, which can occur during physical activity or in response to stress. Tensing can be both voluntary and involuntary. This action is important in many physical activities and can affect performance and endurance.

Synonyms

clenching, contracting, tightening

Examples of usage

  • He felt his muscles tensing before the race.
  • The cat was tensing its body before jumping.
  • She had a habit of tensing up when she was nervous.
  • After a long day at work, I often find myself tensing my shoulders.

Translations

Translations of the word "tensing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tensão

🇮🇳 तनाव

🇩🇪 Anspannung

🇮🇩 ketegangan

🇺🇦 напряження

🇵🇱 napięcie

🇯🇵 緊張

🇫🇷 tension

🇪🇸 tensión

🇹🇷 gerilim

🇰🇷 긴장

🇸🇦 توتر

🇨🇿 napětí

🇸🇰 napätie

🇨🇳 紧张

🇸🇮 napetost

🇮🇸 spenna

🇰🇿 қысым

🇬🇪 მიმდინარე

🇦🇿 gərginlik

🇲🇽 tensión

Word origin

The word 'tensing' comes from the Old English 'tensian', which means 'to stretch or extend'. This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*tansōną', which is linked to the concept of stretching tight. The evolution of the word reflects various usages throughout the Middle English period, where it was associated with physical tightness and exertion. Over centuries, the meaning has maintained its core essence, relating primarily to the action of tightening or stiffness, especially in a physical or muscular context. As the English language evolved, so did the applications of 'tensing', which began to be used in broader contexts, including psychological and emotional states.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,496 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.