verb

tourette

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Tourette (verb) means to display the sudden, involuntary tics — movements or sounds — associated with Tourette syndrome. Example: “He tourettes a bit when he's stressed, letting out a sharp bark of a sound.”

verb

To display the sudden, involuntary tics — movements or sounds — associated with Tourette syndrome.

"He tourettes a bit when he's stressed, letting out a sharp bark of a sound."

"The character in the film tourettes uncontrollably during tense scenes."

How to use tourette

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed casually as a verb to describe having a sudden tic or blurting something out involuntarily, the way someone with Tourette syndrome might.

When to use it

Informal, and can come across as insensitive — it trivializes a real neurological condition, so it is best avoided in careful or medical writing.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: tourettes
Past tense: touretted

Test yourself on “tourette” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ a bit when he's stressed, letting out a sharp bark of a sound.

Etymology

Verbed from the name of the French neurologist Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome in 1885.

Origin: French · First attested 1885

Class of 1885 tourette joined the language around 1885.

percentile

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Rhymes for tourette

Bette Vette Yvette burette palette gazette rosette Annette Lynette Colette Lisette Janette

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tourette” mean?

The word “tourette” means to display the sudden, involuntary tics — movements or sounds — associated with Tourette syndrome. In plain terms, used casually as a verb to describe having a sudden tic or blurting something out involuntarily, the way someone with Tourette syndrome might.

How do you use “tourette” in a sentence?

Here is “tourette” used in a sentence: “He tourettes a bit when he's stressed, letting out a sharp bark of a sound.”

What part of speech is “tourette”?

“Tourette” is a verb.

Where does the word “tourette” come from?

The word “tourette” dates back to around 1885 and comes from French. Verbed from the name of the French neurologist Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome in 1885.