spasm

American  

[spaz-uhm] / ˈspæz əm /

noun

• spasms
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• spasms
  plural

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”

Explanation

A spasm is a sudden constriction of a muscle or blood vessel. This idea can be generalized to anything that occurs suddenly and lasts a short while. Except for a brief spasm of yard work, you had a perfectly lazy Sunday. The Greeks had a word called spasmós, which meant "to cramp or convulse." It also meant "to tear away or violently pull," which, if you've ever suffered a muscle spasm you know is a good definition. The word had a physical meaning up until around 1817, when it came to include the abstract. When you were invited to go hiking in the redwood forest, you could hardly control your spasms of joy. Make sure you stretch before hiking, so you don't get muscle spasms.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spasm spasms

While my vocal cords spasm apart, his spasm together; while my voice gets soft and whispery, his voice is tight and gravelly.

From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2026

“The recent spasm of anti-Jewish hatred that has swept the country has shocked and scared many,” wrote Simon Sebag Montefiore, a prominent British historian on X Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 27, 2026

"The decision will be taken tomorrow evening because the physios, doctors will have to take a call that even if he is fully recovered he should not get the spasm again during the game."

From Barron's ● Nov. 20, 2025

If you or someone else is experiencing heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2025

There was another spasm in his entrails; the heavy boots were approaching.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, sensory issues and cognitive problems.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

In retrospect, it’s clear to right-hander Tyler Glasnow that he tried to start throwing a little too quickly after back spasms pulled him out of his start against the Astros on May 6.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

The Canadian rock duo make up Angine de Poitrine, which translates from French to angina pectoris — a condition of chest pressure caused by spasms of the heart.

From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026

Tyler Glasnow is back to square one in his recovery from back spasms.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

Dad slapped his knee, folded his arms in front of his face, and rolled his head to the left and right in spasms of mirth.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

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