What does spasmodic mean?
Spasmodic describes something that occurs in sudden, irregular bursts, especially involuntary muscle contractions or movements. In medical language, it refers to contractions that happen abruptly and separately rather than continuously. The term can also describe figurative activity that comes and goes unpredictably, such as spasmodic laughter, attention, or effort. Its implications are often uncomfortable or disruptive because the bursts interrupt a normal or steady pattern. In that figurative sense, the word suggests an unstable rhythm rather than deliberate alternation. Spasmodic is used mainly in medical, formal, and descriptive writing; in more casual usage, simpler terms such as “intermittent” or “jerky” may be preferred. The word is especially useful when both the sudden onset and the lack of regularity are important to the description. A related noun form is also occasionally used for an individual spasm or spasmodic contraction, though this is much less common than the adjective.
Characterized by sudden, involuntary muscular contractions or movements; occurring in abrupt, irregular bursts.
"The patient experienced frequent spasmodic jerks in both legs."
In figurative use, it describes activity marked by abrupt, uneven bursts rather than a steady rhythm.
A spasmodic muscular contraction or spasm.
"The recording showed several brief spasmodics lasting only a few seconds."
This noun form is uncommon in general use and is encountered chiefly in medical or specialized writing.
The plural applies to the uncommon noun meaning an individual spasm or spasmodic contraction.
"The clinician noted several brief spasmodics during the examination."
From the Greek spasmos, meaning a pulling or convulsion, this word captures movement that arrives in abrupt bursts rather than a steady rhythm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spasmodic come from?
The word belongs to a Greek-derived family that includes “spasm” and “spastic.” Its root is the Greek spasmos, associated with a pulling or drawing sensation and, by extension, a convulsion. English developed the related forms through Latin and French before adding derivatives such as “spasmodic,” which carries the Greek-derived stem and the suffix “-ic.”
Related word forms
How spasmodic is actually used
The word is most common in medical and formal contexts. Figurative uses, such as “spasmodic laughter” or “spasmodic efforts,” generally suggest irregularity and abruptness rather than a literal muscular condition.
Easily confused with spasmodic
Spasmodic describes activity that occurs in sudden bursts, especially involuntary contractions, whereas spastic more commonly refers to increased muscle tone, stiffness, or impaired voluntary muscle control.