sprain
verb (used with object)
to overstrain or wrench (the ligaments of an ankle, wrist, or other joint) so as to injure without fracture or dislocation.
sprained
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past participleof sprain.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof sprain.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
sprainverb (used with object)to overstrain or wrench (the ligaments of an ankle, wrist, or other joint) so as to injure without fracture or dislocation.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’m fine. I’ve got a sprained neck, and I’m really in shock and sort of cry all the time, but I’m going to heal.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
In January 1851, Ulysses S. Grant, then an Army quartermaster, slipped on an icy sidewalk in Detroit and sprained his leg.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov sprained a ligament in his knee, but he will be ready for training camp.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026
Thomas was taken to hospital, where he said he was lucky to only suffer "sprained ankles and minor stuff".
From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2026
A sprained ankle instead of a broken one.
From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon
