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.
had sprained
-
past perfectof sprain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Reyne had sprained his ankle packing, plus his shoe got stolen, he said, so the sidewalk was as far as he had gotten.
From Slate ● Mar. 25, 2026
Hurts had sprained his right shoulder and missed two games.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 22, 2023
Marseille said on Monday that Harit had sprained cruciate ligaments in his left knee.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 14, 2022
Betty had her first star turn when she was just 14 and filling in for a performer who had sprained her ankle.
From New York Times ● Jun. 29, 2022
She had sprained her knee dancing a tango at the office party.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
