spasm

[spaz-uhm]

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

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

/ ˈspæzəm /

noun

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

2. a sudden burst of activity, emotion, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasm¹

C14: from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos a cramp, from span to tear

Example Sentences

He missed only one game after sustaining a concussion against Nebraska and sat out only a few practices after taking a crunching hit against Washington last weekend that led to neck spasms.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After being limited by neck spasms earlier in the week, Iamaleava was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The 38-year-old, who has not made a Test hundred on home soil since January 2023, failed to open in either innings in Perth because of back spasms.

Read more on Barron's

Australia also must make a call on Usman Khawaja, who suffered back spasms in Perth and was unable to open the batting.

Read more on BBC

He had back spasms after playing golf the day before the Test, but I do not believe the two were linked.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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