spasm
Translation
spasm, convulsion, cramp
Examples
He felt a sudden spasm in his back.
He felt a sudden spasm in his back.
She had a spasm of coughing.
She had a spasm of coughing.
The country experienced a spasm of violence.
The country experienced a spasm of violence.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) spasm ((in a body part)) a sudden muscle contraction I felt a spasm in my leg.
((a)) spasm ((of sth.)) a sudden burst of activity or feeling He had a spasm of anger.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cramp, convulsion, twitch, seizure
Etymology
From Greek 'spasmos', from 'span' meaning 'to draw, pull'. A pulling or drawing of the muscles.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'snap' or 'zap', like a sudden, sharp muscle contraction.