spasm
2 synonyms for spasm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle or group of muscles.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cramp
muscle spasm
How to use spasm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
muscle spasm
a spasm of pain
a spasm of anger
Etymology
From Greek spasmos, "convulsion," from spao, "to pull or draw out" — the muscle is being yanked tight involuntarily.
Full origin of spasm →Frequently asked questions
What does “spasm” mean?
The word “spasm” means a sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle or group of muscles. In plain terms, a sudden tightening or jerk you can't control, usually in a muscle, or a short sharp burst of some feeling or activity.
How do you pronounce “spasm”?
“Spasm” is pronounced SPAZ-m (/ˈspæz.m̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “spasm” in a sentence?
Here is “spasm” used in a sentence: “A spasm in his lower back left him unable to stand up straight.”
What part of speech is “spasm”?
Depending on how it is used, “spasm” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spasm” come from?
The word “spasm” comes from Greek. From Greek spasmos, "convulsion," from spao, "to pull or draw out" — the muscle is being yanked tight involuntarily.
How many meanings does “spasm” have?
“Spasm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle or group of muscles.
