taut

• Décrit quelque chose de tendu ou fortement étiré, sans affaissement. S'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour qualifier une personne, une situation ou un récit qui est tendu, sobre ou concis.

Describes something stretched or pulled tight; not slack. Also used figuratively to describe a person, situation, or narrative that is tense, controlled, or concise.

1. Stretched tightB2formal

   Pulled or drawn tight, not slack.

   tendu

   • The rope was pulled taut to secure the tent.
   • Her skin felt taut after the facial treatment.
   • The tightrope walker kept the wire taut.

   Synonymesfirmrigidstretchedtensetight

   Antonymeslaxlimplooseslack

2. Under tensionB2formal

   Subjected to great tension; stretched tight, often causing stress or strain.

   Sous tension

   • His muscles were taut with anxiety.
   • The atmosphere in the room was taut with anticipation.
   • The taut expression on his face showed his worry.

   Synonymesrigidstrainedstretchedtensetight

   Antonymeslaxlimplooseslack