sprain
5 synonyms for sprain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To injure a joint or ligament by twisting it too far without dislocating it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use sprain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sprain an ankle
a mild sprain
Etymology
Possibly from Middle French espraindre ("to wring, press out"), from Latin exprimere — the same root as "express".
Full origin of sprain →Frequently asked questions
What does “sprain” mean?
The word “sprain” means to injure a joint or ligament by twisting it too far without dislocating it. In plain terms, to twist or overstretch a joint (like an ankle or wrist) without breaking a bone, or the resulting injury.
How do you pronounce “sprain”?
“Sprain” is pronounced sprayn (/spɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “sprain” in a sentence?
Here is “sprain” used in a sentence: “She sprained her ankle stepping off the curb.”
What part of speech is “sprain”?
Depending on how it is used, “sprain” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sprain” come from?
The word “sprain” comes from Latin. Possibly from Middle French espraindre ("to wring, press out"), from Latin exprimere — the same root as "express".
How many meanings does “sprain” have?
“Sprain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to injure a joint or ligament by twisting it too far without dislocating it.
