spasm

American  

[spaz-uhm] / ˈspæz əm /

noun

1. Pathology. a sudden, abnormal, involuntary muscular contraction, consisting of a continued muscular contraction tonic spasm or of a series of alternating muscular contractions and relaxations clonic spasm.

2. any sudden, brief spell of great energy, activity, feeling, etc.

   Synonyms:

   spurt, flash, storm, fit

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verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a spasm or spasms.

   Her eyesight had changed, and tests showed the muscles that allow the eye to focus were spasming.

spasm British  

/ ˈspæzəm /

noun

1. an involuntary muscular contraction, esp one resulting in cramp or convulsion

2. a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc

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Etymology

Origin of spasm

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English spasme, spasom, from Old French (e)spasme and Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmós “convulsion,” derivative of spân “to draw (a sword), pull out, tear out, suck in, slurp down”

Example Sentences

A bronchial spasm sent the maestro to hospital.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

"The decision will be taken tomorrow evening because the physios, doctors will have to take a call that even if he is fully recovered he should not get the spasm again during the game."

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

A back spasm is little fun at scrum time and a problem Hannah Botterman will have to manage.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

If you or someone else is experiencing heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

A spasm of fright passes through my body and over my face.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• contraction
• convulsion
• eruption
• outburst
• pain
• paroxysm
• seizure