Spasm Meaning
/ˈspæz.m̩/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ.
nounA violent, excruciating seizure of pain.
Sentence Examples
I feel a sort of spasm in my left leg.
A spasm, violent and uncontrollable, stiffened every muscle in his body.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The patient experienced a painful muscle ____ in his back after lifting the heavy box.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The athlete felt a sudden muscle ____ in his leg after running the long race in the summer heat.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English spasme, from Old French spasme, from Latin spasmus, from Ancient Greek σπασμός (spasmós, “spasm, convulsion”), from σπάω (spáō, “to draw out, pull out”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He would use the simplest, plainest language, he said to himself over and over again; but it is not always easy to use simple, plain language,—by no means so easy as to mount on stilts, and to march along with sesquipedalian words, with pathos, spasms, and notes of interjection."
— 1861, Anthony Trollope, Framley Parsonage:
"Both Spear & Davis were indicted in the witchhunt surrounding the sensational (if nonexistent) "Revere sex ring." Both men have said they have been police targets since at least 1975, following the anti-gay spasm which ensued after Dick Bavely's suicide."
— 1981 April 11, Mitzel, “Kopacz Acquitted In Barbre Killing”, in Gay Community News, page 1:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The patient experienced a painful muscle ____ in his back after lifting the heavy box.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The athlete felt a sudden muscle ____ in his leg after running the long race in the summer heat.