feeling of tension; nervousness; tense atmosphere
Refers to a palpable sense of tension, either internal (nervousness) or in the surrounding atmosphere.
I was full of nervous tension before the exam.
A heavy air of tension hung over the meeting room.
That one remark sent a wave of tension through the meeting room.
As the game approached its final stages, the tension built up.
I made sure to keep a sense of focus up until the actual performance.
This team has no sense of urgency, so they seem fine even when losing.
The boss's gaze made his subordinates feel tense.