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
She had sprained that ankle several times over the past couple of years.
From New York Times ● Feb. 7, 2023
Marseille said on Monday that Harit had sprained cruciate ligaments in his left knee.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 14, 2022
Yura, an electric maintenance engineer who had moved to Severodonetsk in 1984, had sprained his ankle while rushing to the basement during a shelling.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2022
She had sprained her knee dancing a tango at the office party.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
