spasm

Meaning

Noun

1. A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ.
2. A violent, excruciating seizure of pain.
3. A sudden and temporary burst of energy, activity, or emotion.

Verb

To produce and undergo a spasm or series of spasms.

Synonyms

cramp

convulsion

twitch

seizure

fit

contraction

convulse

stiff

kink

muscle spasm

pang

cramps

crick

tetany

throe

twinge

writhe

sudden pain

opisthotonos

difficult breathing

tetanilla

spasmus

bent

muscular constricture

contract

convulsions

grip

jerk

lame

outburst

paroxysm

rigid

scar

spastic

stitch

tetanus

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈspæz.əm/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: spasme

In summary

From Middle English spasme, from Old French spasme, from Latin spasmus, from Ancient Greek σπασμός (spasmós, “spasm, convulsion”), from σπάω (spáō, “to draw out, pull out”).