What does spasm mean?
A spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, often producing pain or temporary loss of movement. The word is especially associated with medical conditions, such as a muscle spasm or a spasm in the back, although it can also describe an abrupt muscular contraction of an organ. In figurative use, a spasm is a short, intense burst of a feeling, action, or event: people may speak of a spasm of anxiety, laughter, anger, or violence. This meaning often carries a sense of suddenness, intensity, and impermanence. Spasm is related in origin to words such as spasmodic and spastic, and it remains useful for describing both involuntary physical reactions and sudden, short-lived emotional or behavioral episodes.
A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
"The doctor gently massaged the muscle to relieve the spasm."
In medical contexts, it may refer to a sustained or painful involuntary contraction of a muscle or organ.
A sudden, brief burst of an activity, emotion, or behavior.
"There was a spasm of laughter during the performance."
This figurative use often suggests an abrupt, intense, and temporary episode.
To undergo a sudden, involuntary muscular contraction.
"His hand spasmed as the machine unexpectedly started."
Less common than the noun; it is mainly used in descriptive or medical writing.
The plural is commonly used for individual episodes of muscular contraction and for figurative bursts of activity or emotion.
"The medication helped reduce the frequency of her muscle spasms."
The word spasm comes from the Greek root for pulling or contraction, the same root behind the familiar adjective spasmodic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spasm come from?
The noun entered English through Latin, from the Greek noun spasmos, meaning a pulling or contraction and especially an involuntary muscular contraction. The Greek term is associated with the verb span, meaning to pull or draw. Its relatives include the English words spasmodic and spastic, both developed from the same Greek root and its associated adjective.
Related word forms
How spasm is actually used
In medical contexts, the term usually describes a sudden involuntary contraction. Figurative uses such as 'a spasm of anxiety' are common but can sound more dramatic or literary than 'a burst of anxiety.'
Easily confused with spasm
A spasm is an involuntary muscular contraction, whereas a spat is a sudden sharp sound made with the mouth.
A spasm is a brief involuntary muscular contraction, while a stutter is a speech pattern involving repeated or prolonged sounds.