Crick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crick

[krɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sound, movement

To crick means to cause a sharp pain in the neck or back, often as a result of a sudden movement or awkward position. It can also refer to making a cracking noise, typically associated with joints or bones.

Synonyms

spasm, twinge, twitch.

Examples of usage

  • I cricked my neck while sleeping.
  • He tends to crick his back when he bends over too quickly.
  • I heard a crick when I twisted my leg.
  • Try not to crick your wrist while playing tennis.

Translations

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Origin of 'crick'

The word 'crick' is believed to originate from the early 19th century, likely derived from the dialectal use of 'crick' or 'crick up' in British English, which denotes a contraction or spasm of a muscle. The term may also have connections to the word 'crook,' which has similar connotations of bending or using muscles in a non-standard manner. Over time, 'crick' has become colloquially embraced to describe the discomfort often experienced in the neck and back when one moves suddenly or sleeps in a position that strains the muscles. Its use has expanded into informal language, giving color to descriptions of sudden sharp pain in various contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,792, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.