strained / spasmodic
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strained
Describes an action that is carried out with excessive effort, compulsion, or tension. It often suggests a lack of ease or naturalness.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, ein Lächeln aufzusetzen, aber man sah ihm seine Anspannung an.
He tried in a strained way to put on a smile, but you could see his tension.
The word is derived from the noun 'der Krampf' (cramp). A cramp is an involuntary, often painful muscle contraction. This basic idea of tension and unnaturalness appears in both meanings of 'krampfhaft' (strained/spasmodic).
Nach dem langen Lauf bekam ich einen Krampf in der Wade.
After the long run, I got a cramp in my calf.
The context makes the meaning clear. If people are talking about actions and efforts (e.g. laughing, searching, holding on), the figurative meaning 'angestrengt' (strained) is meant. In connection with medical symptoms (e.g. pain, cough), the literal medical meaning is meant.
Sie suchte krampfhaft nach den richtigen Worten.
She searched in a strained way for the right words.
In the figurative meaning, 'krampfhaft' (strained) is very often used as an adverb. It then describes the overly strained way in which an action is carried out.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, seine Nervosität zu verbergen.
He tried in a strained way to hide his nervousness.
loose / relaxed
'locker' and 'krampfhaft' both describe how someone does something or how a situation comes across. 'locker' means relaxed and natural, without pressure. 'krampfhaft' is the opposite: someone tries to do something with too much effort or compulsion, and as a result it seems unnatural. 'locker' is more suited to conversations, behavior, or a pleasant atmosphere. 'krampfhaft' is used when someone tries too hard to achieve something or do something right.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, im Gespräch witzig zu sein.
He tried too hard to be funny in the conversation.
Beim ersten Treffen blieb Anna locker und lachte viel.
At the first meeting, Anna stayed relaxed and laughed a lot.