What does spastically mean?
Spastically is an adverb meaning in a manner marked by sudden, involuntary muscular contractions. It is commonly used in medical or neurological contexts to describe movements that are jerky, stiff, or spasmodically produced rather than smoothly and voluntarily controlled. For example, a limb may move spastically during a sudden reflex response. The adverb is derived from spastic, a term rooted in Greek vocabulary for pulling or contraction, and it should not be confused with a description of movement that is merely brief or irregular. Its use is uncommon outside specialist, educational, and descriptive writing. When applied to a person's movement, it can sound clinical or depersonalizing; respectful language about the person and the underlying condition is preferable. In general prose, spasmodically may be more accessible, while spastically is useful when the particular emphasis is on a spastic pattern of muscular activity.
adverbIn a manner characterized by sudden, involuntary muscular contractions or spasms; with jerky, stiff, or spasmodic movement.
- With sudden, involuntary muscular contractions or spasms; in a jerky, stiff, or spasmodic manner.
"His leg moved spastically when the tendon was tapped."
"The muscles of his forearm contracted spastically after the injury."
"She described the patient's breathing as irregular and spastically labored."
Spastically describes the body moving through sudden, uncontrollable contractions—a muscular reflex doing the talking.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spastically come from?
The English adjective spastic entered English in the 17th century from Latin spasticus, which derives from Greek spastikos, meaning “pulling” or “contractive.” Greek spastikos is related to spastē, “contraction,” and ultimately to spān, “to draw” or “to pull.” The adverb spastically was later formed from spastic by adding the suffix -ly.
Related word forms
How spastically is actually used
Chiefly medical, neurological, or technical. In general descriptive writing, “spasmodically” may be more readily understood. When used of a person, the word can sound clinical or depersonalizing, so respectful descriptions of the person and the underlying condition are preferable.