noun
spasm
SPAZ-m
noun
1
A sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle or group of muscles.
"A spasm in his lower back left him unable to stand up straight."
"She felt a spasm in her calf halfway through the run."
2
A sudden, short burst of activity, energy, or emotion.
"A spasm of panic gripped the crowd when the lights went out."
verb
1
To contract suddenly and involuntarily.
"His hand spasmed and he dropped the cup."
How to Use Spasm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden tightening or jerk you can't control, usually in a muscle, or a short sharp burst of some feeling or activity.
Common pairings
muscle spasm
a spasm of pain
a spasm of anger
Word Forms
spasmed past tense, spasms plural, spasms singular
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A _____ in his lower back left him unable to stand up straight.
Etymology
From Greek spasmos, "convulsion," from spao, "to pull or draw out" — the muscle is being yanked tight involuntarily.