spasmodically

[ spaz-mod-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in sudden, brief, or sporadic bursts:

   The plane engine began to cough and sputter spasmodically.

   Mail arrived only spasmodically, so communication with the outside world was limited.

Other Words From

• un·spas·mod·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spasmodically¹

spasmodic ( def ) + -ally ( def )

Example Sentences

Paulekas was easy to spot in the crowd of wildly attired, spasmodically gyrating teenagers: He was the old guy in his 50s with the wisps of silver hair, Salvador Dali goatee and white bell bottoms.

From Los Angeles Times

I heard the sudden crunch of footsteps on gravel and, hardly aware of what I was doing, turned away spasmodically and pretended to inspect the trunk of a nearby tree.

From Literature

He had a habit of gyrating and moving his body spasmodically while performing, and even while being promoted as the “Wonder of the World,” many described him as an “idiot,” even an “imbecile.”

From New York Times

Andrews says there was no need for shoppers to stockpile, as has occurred spasmodically and to various extents during Melbourne’s first and second lockdowns.

From Washington Times

However, Whidbey Telecom downloads to my computer spasmodically and sometimes it will take two or three days at which time, all the emails arrive on my PC in one batch.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• again and again
• generally
• intermittently
• many times
• often
• periodically
• regularly
• time and again
• usually