spasm

American  

[spaz-uhm] / ˈspæz əm /

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

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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 British  

/ ˈspæzəm /

noun

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

2. a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc

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Etymology

Origin of spasm

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”

Example Sentences

However, his place has come under scrutiny during this series after he suffered back spasms in the first Test that prevented him from opening.

From BBC

Head was promoted to opener in the second innings at Perth when Usman Khawaja was sidelined with back spasms and has kept the position, cracking two centuries.

From Barron's

His symptoms include shaking and a burning sensation throughout his body, muscle spasms and a racing pulse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Khawaja, who missed the Brisbane second Test after suffering back spasms in Perth, was unbeaten at the break on a battling 41 after getting a life when dropped on five.

From Barron's

Khawaja batted at number four in the first innings of the first Test in Perth, moving down the order following the back spasms.

From BBC

Related Words

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