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

Lyla had already spent more than a year dealing with pain that was initially thought to be a sprain or small fracture.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 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

Baker-Mazara had missed three games last month because of a knee sprain and sat out practices throughout the season because of nagging minor injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 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

A sprain would surely have healed by now.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• strain