cramp
UK: kræmp | US: kræmp
n. 1. A painful, involuntary muscle contraction.
n. 2. A metal bar with bent ends used to hold objects together.
vt. 1. To restrict movement or development.
vt. 2. To fasten with a cramp (metal bar).
The word "cramp" traces back to Old French crampe and Middle Dutch krampe, meaning "a hook or bent tool." The root cram- suggests forceful compression or restriction, aligning with both the physical pain of muscle spasms and the clamping function of the tool. Over time, the verb forms extended metaphorically to denote hindrance or confinement.
She got a sudden cramp in her leg while swimming.
The carpenter used a cramp to secure the wooden planks.
Strict regulations can cramp creativity in the workplace.
He cramped the papers together with a metal clip.
The tight shoes cramped her toes painfully.