Cramp: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly refers to a painful muscle contraction that is often related to physical activity, dehydration, or a lack of certain nutrients.

• I was swimming for hours and suddenly got a cramp in my leg
• He experienced a cramp after running the marathon

A sudden and involuntary muscle movement, often painful and can occur in any muscle. It can also refer to a sudden, uncontrollable emotional reaction.

• He had a muscle spasm in his back after lifting heavy boxes
• Her hand went into a spasm after typing for hours

Typically refers to the process of a muscle tightening, often used in a medical or biological context. Also commonly used to describe the muscles tightening during childbirth.

• The doctor explained that muscle contractions help the body move
• She began experiencing contractions as she went into labor

A colloquial term often used in the United States to describe a sudden, painful muscle cramp or spasm, particularly in the leg or thigh.

• She woke up in the middle of the night with a charley horse
• After playing basketball for hours, I got a charley horse in my calf

A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction that is often painful. This term is generally used for muscle spasms that occur in various parts of the body.

• I got a cramp in my leg after running for an hour.
• Swimming can sometimes cause calf cramps.

A medical term specifically used to describe severe menstrual cramps and pain during menstruation. Generally used in medical or formal discussions.

• She was diagnosed with dysmenorrhea due to the severe pain she experiences during her period.
• Painkillers can help manage dysmenorrhea.

A common, more casual term for the discomfort and cramping felt during menstruation. It's commonly used in everyday conversations.

• She stayed home from work due to severe period pain.
• Hot water bottles can help alleviate period pain.

Used when describing a physical condition where muscles contract painfully and involuntarily, or metaphorically, when something restricts space or movement severely.

• After running for an hour, she began to feel a cramp in her leg.
• The tiny room cramped his style, making it hard to practice yoga.

Applicable in scenarios where the action or progress is prevented or delayed, often implying a significant negative effect.

• The lack of funds will hinder our ability to complete the project on time.
• His constant interruptions hindered the flow of the meeting.

Appropriate for situations where someone's freedom or actions are strictly limited by external regulations or circumstances.

• Due to budget cuts, we are constrained in our ability to provide more resources.
• She felt constrained by the traditional role expectations in her family.

Best used when referring to something that obstructs progress or makes it difficult to accomplish a task; often used in a somewhat neutral or descriptive manner.

• Heavy rain hampered the construction work on the new bridge.
• Her large handbag hampered her ability to move quickly through the crowd.