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

Salt missed Tuesday's third T20 against Sri Lanka with a back spasm but trained successfully on Friday and will take his place at the top of the order.

From Barron's

Tiamat, half in the circle and half out, was shaking with terrible spasms.

From Literature

Oh, to be alive! was all he could think as he trod water, inhaling and coughing in spasms.

From Literature

But if more severe symptoms, such as spasms, are experienced, surgery may be required.

From BBC

These included muscle spasms, memory loss, hallucinations and balance issues.

From Barron's

Related Words

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