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

His head trembled and a sudden spasm of nausea made him lie down flat on the rough boards.

From Literature

“No!” she cried, and tried to move toward it, but was driven back by a spasm of nausea.

From Literature

When the spasm of sickness was over, he came back to lean against a pillar.

From Literature

There was nothing left in his stomach, and the spasm hurt dreadfully.

From Literature

He had built up the ginning enterprise himself and overseen it through this seasonal spasm of mad activity for thirty years; he no longer had the slightest interest or obligation.

From Literature

Related Words

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