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

• charley horse
• cramp
• crick
• kink

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

Then, Sabathia arrived in New York before the 2009 season as the jewel of a $423 million offseason, a spasm of Steinbrenner-esque spending that represented the franchise’s desperation to end a nine-year title drought. —Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

Cramps and muscle spasms visit me like Verizon bills. —John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

While Ellen’s spasms and fits are viewed as shameful by her peers—even her husband—Franz views her as a sacred figure who would have been a high priestess in another age. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

In addition to deepening calf stretches, slant boards may help ease calf strain and spasms, which can further enhance flexibility in this area. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 8 Jan. 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

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