spasm

noun

ˈspa-zəm How to pronounce spasm (audio)
Synonyms of spasm
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 of spasm

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even before the back spasms, Tucker was having his worst season by far. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 24 June 2026 In van Dongen’s case, the pinching motion required to hold a dart would trigger the spasms. — Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 Glasnow left his start in Houston on May 6 after just one inning with back spasms. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 7 June 2026 Tucker left in the second with low back spasms, and Rushing was pulled in the third to get checked for a concussion. — CBS News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spasm

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spasm was in the 14th century

Rhymes for spasm

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Browse Nearby Words

sparver
spasm
spasmatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spasm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spasm

noun
ˈspaz-əm How to pronounce spasm (audio)
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 How to pronounce spasm (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on spasm

Nglish: Translation of spasm for Spanish Speakers

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