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

The nation has seen spasms of political violence throughout its history.

From Los Angeles Times

We found more than 100 examples of people trying to buy prescription medicines such as diazepam - commonly used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures - and instead receiving products containing nitazenes.

From BBC

While the drug business runs smoothest when there is peace, occasional spasms of deadly violence from cartel infighting have long been a way of life here — earning the city a treacherous reputation.

From Los Angeles Times

"If I’m being honest, I also didn’t want to admit to the depth of my disability. I had muscle spasms and immobility on my left side, and I tried to hide it," she said.

From Salon

But amid a national spasm of grief, neither Netanyahu nor Hamas gave the slightest public hint that any movement was in the offing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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