noun
Uncommon
tic
tihk
Tic (noun) means a sudden, repeated, involuntary movement or sound. Example: “He has a nervous tic that makes him blink rapidly.”
noun
1
A sudden, repeated, involuntary movement or sound.
"Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple tics. A tic is a sudden, rapid, repetitive, non-rhythmic movement (e.g. eye blinking) or vocalization (e.g. throat clearing)."
— Andrea E. Cavanna, Pharmacological Treatment of Tics (2020)
"He has a nervous tic that makes him blink rapidly."
"Her voice tic of clearing her throat got worse under stress."
How to use tic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn uncontrollable small movement or sound someone repeats, often linked to stress or conditions like Tourette's.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "tick" (the insect, the checkmark, or the sound of a clock) — they're pronounced identically but spelled and mean differently.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a nervous tic
facial tic
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Word forms
- Plural
- tics
- Third person singular
- tics
- Past tense
- ticced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He has a nervous _____ that makes him blink rapidly.
Etymology
Borrowed from French tic.
Frequently asked questions
What does “tic” mean?
The word “tic” means a sudden, repeated, involuntary movement or sound. In plain terms, an uncontrollable small movement or sound someone repeats, often linked to stress or conditions like Tourette's.
How do you pronounce “tic”?
“Tic” is pronounced tihk (/tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tic” in a sentence?
Here is “tic” used in a sentence: “He has a nervous tic that makes him blink rapidly.”
What part of speech is “tic”?
“Tic” is a noun.
Where does the word “tic” come from?
The word “tic” comes from French. Borrowed from French tic.
Is “tic” a common word?
“Tic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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