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

Example Sentences

Cronin said earlier in the week that Booker sprained his ankle in practice, an injury the big man appeared to exacerbate against Arizona State on Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Fact: Back pain is usually caused by muscle strains or sprains, not by a serious condition like a disc or vertebrae issue.

From Science Daily

I’m grateful to everyone who reads and shares this tradition, through all your family games, neighborhood feuds, sprained ankles, surgically-repaired shoulders, weddings, graduations, funerals, babies and at least three confused Aaron Rodgers franchises.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cronin went back to his normal starting lineup with the exception of forward Tyler Bilodeau, who was out after spraining his left knee in practice Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

Hayes was listed as probable on the initial injury report with a right ankle sprain, but was upgraded to available after the shootaround.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• strain