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

In Week 15, with the Lions out of playoff contention, Stafford played through torn cartilage in his rib cage that gave him body spasms.

From Washington Post

Hauser also scored 21 points, connecting on 7 of 13 three-pointers, and added seven rebounds despite being bothered by back spasms before the game.

From Washington Post

Meanwhile, multiple sclerosis patients have access to THC-based treatments in more than 30 countries to ease muscle spasms, expand mobility, decrease pain, improve sleep, and, overall, provide better quality of life.

From Popular-Science

Gun sales surged, especially among first-time buyers, this year during the coronavirus outbreak and then spasms of racial unrest.

From Ozy

Beyond cosmetic applications, Botox is a treatment for more than 20 medical conditions, including eye spasm, Bell’s palsy, headache, excessive sweating and urinary incontinence.

From Popular-Science

The only joy is the momentary spasm of sexual gratification; the only happiness that of (temporarily) allayed jealousy.

From The Daily Beast

A spasm of computer trouble yesterday delayed finishing some thoughts on Mitt Romney's USA Today op-ed about social safety nets.

From The Daily Beast

Akin's view may be outrageous, but its outrageousness is not one man's mental spasm.

From The Daily Beast

For three straight days, a spasm of violence has gripped Cairo, leaving 13 people dead and scores wounded.

From The Daily Beast

Essentially, this is no more than a spasm of mindless and brutal high summer destruction.

From The Daily Beast

Here the Dimbula shot down a hollow, lying almost on her side—righting at the bottom with a wrench and a spasm.

From Project Gutenberg

It might be a spasm of pain, and his somewhat pale face became paler; but he did not speak.

From Project Gutenberg

What he dreaded was the spasm of dying—the convulsion that was to snap the thousand silver strings in the harp of life.

From Project Gutenberg

Richard thought to see him fell the Greek to the stones; but his uplifted arm lowered, the spasm of madness passed.

From Project Gutenberg

But what a contrast to this spasm of local statesmanship the earlier years of that drink-sodden century display!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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