noun
tic
tihk
noun
1
A sudden, repeated, involuntary movement or sound.
"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
Word Forms
ticced past tense, tics plural, tics singular
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He has a nervous _____ that makes him blink rapidly.
Etymology
Borrowed from French tic.