spasm
Translation
spasm, convulsion, fit, twitch
Examples
He felt a sudden spasm in his leg.
He felt a sudden spasm in his leg.
The country experienced a spasm of violence.
The country experienced a spasm of violence.
Grammar Patterns
((a spasm in sth.)) a sudden muscle contraction in a body part I had a spasm in my back.
((a spasm of sth.)) a sudden burst of an activity or feeling The team had a spasm of creativity.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cramp, convulsion, twitch, fit, burst
Etymology
From Greek 'spasmos', from 'span' meaning 'to draw, pull'. It refers to an involuntary drawing or pulling of the muscles.
Memory Tips
The word 'spasm' sounds a bit like a sudden, sharp action, which is what it describes – a sudden muscle contraction.