crick
3 synonyms for crick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden, painful stiffness in a muscle, usually in the neck or back, that makes it hard to move for a while.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use crick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a crick in the neck
crick in your back
Etymology
From Middle English crike/crykke, "a muscle spasm," possibly related to Old Norse kriki ("a bend or nook") — the same root that gave us "creek."
Full origin of crick →Frequently asked questions
What does “crick” mean?
The word “crick” means a sudden, painful stiffness in a muscle, usually in the neck or back, that makes it hard to move for a while. In plain terms, a small, sharp stiffness in your neck or back after sleeping or moving oddly.
How do you pronounce “crick”?
“Crick” is pronounced krihk (/kɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “crick” in a sentence?
Here is “crick” used in a sentence: “She woke up with a crick in her neck from sleeping awkwardly.”
What part of speech is “crick”?
Depending on how it is used, “crick” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “crick” come from?
The word “crick” comes from Middle English. From Middle English crike/crykke, "a muscle spasm," possibly related to Old Norse kriki ("a bend or nook") — the same root that gave us "creek.".
How many meanings does “crick” have?
“Crick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, painful stiffness in a muscle, usually in the neck or back, that makes it hard to move for a while.
