Spasm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spasm

[ˈspaz(ə)m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsive movement.

Synonyms

convulsion, cramp, twitch.

Examples of usage

  • The patient experienced a spasm in his leg muscles after the accident.
  • She felt a spasm of pain shoot through her back.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

A sudden, strong, and temporary feeling, emotion, or reaction.

Synonyms

burst, outburst, surge.

Examples of usage

  • He was overcome with a spasm of laughter at the comedian's joke.
  • A spasm of fear gripped her as she heard a loud noise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Insights

  • Spasms can happen for many reasons, like exercising too much, being dehydrated, or even from stress.
  • In some cases, spasms are linked to neurological disorders, where the brain sends wrong signals to the muscles.
  • Muscle spasms can sometimes be painful and can happen in any muscle in the body, including your legs, back, or even your eyelids.

Pop Culture

  • Spasms have been depicted in movies and shows, often shown in a comic way during scenes of surprise or fright.
  • In some video games, muscle spasms are exaggerated for humor when characters experience a sudden shock.
  • Famous cartoon characters often ‘spasm’ for comedic effect, simplifying complex emotions into visible muscle reactions.

Psychology

  • Stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, including spasms, illustrating the connection between mind and body.
  • Some therapies focus on muscle relaxation techniques to help manage the frequency and intensity of muscle spasms.
  • Awareness of muscle sensations can improve emotional regulation and reduce the incidence of stress-induced spasms.

Sports and Fitness

  • Athletes often encounter spasms, particularly in endurance sports, where muscles are pushed to their limits.
  • Proper hydration and nutrition can help athletes avoid spasms during intense physical activities.
  • Stretching before and after exercise is commonly recommended to prevent muscle spasms and maintain flexibility.

Origin of 'spasm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'spasmos' meaning 'a pulling or twitching'.
  • It first entered the English language in the 14th century, reflecting how long humans have been describing these muscle twitches.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'spasm' in French, show how common the concept is across cultures.

The word 'spasm' originated from the Greek word 'spasmos', which means a convulsion or a sudden, violent muscular contraction. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe sudden involuntary movements or reactions.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,423, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.