sprain

American  

[spreyn] / spreɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to overstrain or wrench (the ligaments of an ankle, wrist, or other joint) so as to injure without fracture or dislocation.

   Synonyms:

   twist

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noun

1. a violent straining or wrenching of the parts around a joint, without dislocation.

2. the condition of being sprained.

sprain British  

/ spreɪn /

verb

1. (tr) to injure (a joint) by a sudden twisting or wrenching of its ligaments

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noun

1. the resulting injury to such a joint, characterized by swelling and temporary disability

Related Words

See strain ¹.

Other Word Forms

• unsprained
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of sprain

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Explanation

To sprain one of your joints is to twist it suddenly. The result is a sprain, in which the ligaments have been injured. Don’t go hiking in high heels because you might sprain your ankle. A sprain — which occurs at joints such as the wrist, elbow, or knee — happens when the ligaments are turned quickly and painfully. After the initial pain, a sprain will swell up. Spraining something is difficult, but things could be worse — a sprained knee will heal quicker than a broken bone.

Example Sentences

Recall, James suffered a grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the deciding loss.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

All-American Yaxel Lendeborg, gutting out a knee sprain, added 13.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

France striker Mbappe, 27, was diagnosed with a left knee sprain at the beginning of March and has been missing from Real's line-up since their La Liga game against Osasuna on 21 February.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

He has not played since Jan. 14 because of a Grade 1 sprain of his right big toe.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

“Don’t sprain it any more. Now take your money back. You’re not a fool, Samuel, unless you’re getting childish.”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• strain