tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2

: a frequent usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech

"you know" is a verbal tic

Synonyms

• crotchet
• curiosity
• eccentricity
• erraticism
• idiosyncrasy
• individualism
• kink
• mannerism
• oddity
• peculiarity
• quiddity
• quip
• quirk
• singularity
• trick
• twist

Examples of tic in a Sentence

The verbal tic “you know” often occurs in her speech.

constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics

Recent Examples on the Web

Beau also experiences tics, anxiety, depression, rage, OCD, and sleep disorders. —TIME, 16 May 2024

These lines are both nervous tics and statements of blithe confidence. —Phillip MacIak, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tic

• tic douloureux
• tic-tac-toe

Kids Definition

tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: a regularly repeated twitching movement of a particular muscle and especially one of the face

2

: a particular form of behavior or speech that is often repeated

"you know" is a verbal tic

Medical Definition

tic

noun

ˈtik 

1

: local and habitual spasmodic motion of particular muscles especially of the face : twitching

2

: a habitual usually unconscious quirk of behavior or speech