cramp

¹

[kramp]

noun

1. Often cramps

   1. a sudden, involuntary, spasmodic contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, especially of the extremities, sometimes with severe pain.

   2. a piercing pain in the abdomen.

   3. an intermittent, painful contraction of structures of a wall containing involuntary muscle, as in biliary colic or in the uterine contractions of menstruation or of labor.

2. writer's cramp.

verb (used with object)

1. to affect with or as if with a cramp.

cramp

²

[kramp]

noun

1. cramp iron.

2. a portable frame or tool with a movable part that can be screwed up to hold things together; clamp.

3. anything that confines or restrains.

4. a cramped state or part.

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten or hold with a cramp.

2. to confine narrowly; restrict; restrain; hamper.

3. to turn (the front wheels of a motor vehicle) by means of the steering gear; steer.

adjective

1. cramped.

cramp

¹

/ kræmp /

noun

1. Also called: cramp iron. a strip of metal with its ends bent at right angles, used to bind masonry

2. a device for holding pieces of wood while they are glued; clamp

3. something that confines or restricts

4. a confined state or position

verb

1. to secure or hold with a cramp

2. to confine, hamper, or restrict

3. informal,  to prevent a person from using his abilities or acting freely and confidently

cramp

²

/ kræmp /

noun

1. a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle, typically caused by overexertion, heat, or chill

2. temporary partial paralysis of a muscle group

   writer's cramp

3. (usually plural in the US and Canada) severe abdominal pain

verb

1. (tr) to affect with or as if with a cramp

Other Word Forms

• crampingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cramp¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English crampe, from Old French, from Germanic; cognate with Middle Dutch crampe, Old Saxon krampo, Old High German krampfo; derivative of an adjective meaning “narrow, constrained, bent”; compare Old High German krampf, Old Norse krappr; akin to crimp ¹

Origin of cramp²

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English crampe, crompe, from Middle Dutch; cramp ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cramp¹

C15: from Middle Dutch crampe cramp, hook, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German khramph bent; see _cramp ¹

Origin of cramp²

C14: from Old French crampe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krampho

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cramp one's style, to prevent one from showing one's best abilities.

Example Sentences

The BBC investigation from within four unnamed asylum hotels also uncovered cramped living conditions, and smoke alarms covered with plastic bags as residents used electric hobs in their showers to cook.

From BBC

Currently, known side effects are the risk of stomach upset, muscle cramps and bloating.

From BBC

He could smell unwashed bodies in the cramped room he shared with 40 detainees.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the journey, he told colleagues he was suffering stomach cramps but insisted he was fit for duty.

From BBC

Woltemade had scored what proved to be decisive goal in the 1-0 win against Wolves at the weekend before coming off with cramp on his debut.

From BBC

Related Words

• ache 
• constipation 
• contraction 
• convulsion 
• pain 
• stiffness 
• twinge