uppspänt

Uppspänt is a Swedish adjective meaning tense or taut, referring to something that has been stretched tightly. It is used for both physical tension, such as uppspända muskler (taut muscles) or uppspända rep (taut rope), and for psychological or atmospheric states, such as an uppspänd person or an uppspänd stämning in a room. The term can describe objects that are stretched or under tension as well as people who are anxious, excited, or on edge.

Etymology and related forms: uppspänt is formed from spänd (taut) with the prefix upp-, indicating upward or intensified state. Related nouns include uppspänning (tension, the act of becoming tense) and spänning (tension or suspense). The verb spänna (to tension, to stretch) is the root.

Usage notes: Uppspänt is commonly used for tangible tension in materials and equipment, such as bows, strings, or cords, and for intangible tension in nerves, mood, or anticipation. It can describe both short-term states (an uppspänd chair when a broadcast begins) and longer states (an uppspänd atmosfär before a performance). Antonyms include avspänd or avslappnad, meaning relaxed or laid-back.

See also: spänning, uppspänning, spänd, avspänd.

Examples: Nerverna var uppspända inför tentan. Bågen var uppspänd till nästan bristningsgränsen. En uppspänd stämning rådde i rummet när misstaget blev uppdagat.