spasm

American  

[spaz-uhm] / ˈspæz əm /

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

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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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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”

Example Sentences

Her question crashes into me, sends my gut into a spasm.

From Literature

The condition causes muscle spasms and can affect mobility.

From BBC

MS is an incurable condition which affects the brain and spinal cord and causes symptoms such as vision problems, fatigue, clumsiness, muscle spasms and urinary problems.

From BBC

The Pistons said at the time that Cunningham was suffering back spasms.

From Los Angeles Times

At last the pent-up tension exploded: Cocky burst into spasms of high hysterical laughter.

From Literature

Related Words

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