[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/spasm/)

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# spasm

noun (a spasm, spasms)

«spasm» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A sudden tightening of a muscle that you cannot control, which may hurt. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#m1)
2. A sudden short burst of a feeling or action, like a spasm of coughing or of anger. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#m2)

### In the lessons

In health and PE lessons a muscle spasm or cramp can happen when tired or not warmed up; stretching helps. In stories «a spasm of pain» or «a spasm of fear» shows a sudden strong feeling. Phrases: «back spasm», «go into spasm».

### Examples

- He felt a spasm in his leg near the end of the race. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x1)
- A spasm of coughing stopped her from speaking. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x2)
- Hiccups are spasms of the muscle under your lungs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x3)
- Gentle stretching can ease a muscle spasm. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x4)
- A spasm of fear went through him when the light went out. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x5)
- Her back went into spasm when she lifted the box. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/#x6)

### Note

Countable. Say «SPAZ-um». Adjective: spasmodic (happening in fits). Trap: the short word «spaz» or «spastic» used as an insult is very offensive to disabled people; never use it.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «spasm» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/spasm/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«spasm» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/spasm.html) on Mova free.