spasm

noun

ˈspa-zəm 

1

: an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction

2

: a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation

a spasm of creativity

spasms of pain

spasm intransitive verb

Synonyms

• cramp

Examples of spasm in a Sentence

a disease that causes muscle spasms

He was racked with coughing spasms.

She was suffering spasms of guilt.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the riots swiftly died down after the initial spasm of outrage, many on the British right criticized the government’s response as heavy-handed, designed to throttle conservative views. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025

Usually, muscle spasms are rapid and cause one or a few movements, but tremors are recurrent and rhythmic. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025

Davis Allen is moving better after dealing with back spasms a year ago, continuing to grow as a run blocker while making some plays as a pass catcher. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 31 July 2025

Chapman, who exited Sunday’s Dodgers finale with back spasms, picked up his 19th save after just three pitches, as ’24 Red Sox rookie Mickey Gasper went down swinging. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spasme, from Anglo-French espasme, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spasm

• bronchospasm
• cytoplasm
• ectoplasm
• neoplasm
• protoplasm
• vasospasm
• chasm
• plasm
• chiasm
• germplasm
• phantasm
• sarcasm

Kids Definition

spasm

noun

ˈspaz-əm 

1

: a sudden uncontrolled contracting of muscles

back spasms

2

: a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or outburst

a spasm of creativity

spasm verb

Medical Definition

spasm

noun

ˈspaz-əm 

1

: an involuntary and abnormal contraction of muscle or muscle fibers or of a hollow organ (as an artery, the colon, or the esophagus) that consists largely of involuntary muscle fibers

2

: the state or condition of a muscle or organ affected with spasms

the renal artery went into spasm