spasm

[spaz-uhm]

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

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

/ ˈspæzəm /

noun

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

2. a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

C14: from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos a cramp, from span to tear

Example Sentences

He and other scholars note similarities between the deployment of troops to American cities, widespread disillusionment with the Supreme Court, and spasms of political violence — especially from disaffected young men.

From Los Angeles Times

The disease begins with seizures, cognitive decline and involuntary muscle spasms, and progresses to dementia, coma and eventually death.

From Los Angeles Times

The Red Roses were also forced to replace starting prop Hannah Botterman, who had to leave the field due to back spasms in the first half.

From BBC

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that usually occur in the legs and abdomen followed by heavy sweating.

From Los Angeles Times

He shakes his fists and jerks his legs in a manner suggesting a rare uncontrollable muscle spasm induced by a live electric wire arbitrarily applied to the spinal column.

From Salon

Related Words

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