Crossword Genius

Selectively tighten security under pressure (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tense

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'under pressure' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'selectively tighten security' is the wordplay.
'TENSE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Form of verb showing time" , "Nervous or tight" , "Under emotional strain" , "Strained by time in grammar" , "Uneasy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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