spasm

UK: ˈspæzəm | US: ˈspæzəm

Definition

  1. n. a sudden, involuntary muscular contraction

  2. n. a brief, intense burst of energy or activity

Structure
spas <to pull>m <noun suffix>
Etymology

spasm = spas<to pull> + m<noun suffix>

  • spas<to pull>: From Greek spasmos, derived from span (to draw, pull).
  • m<noun suffix>: A nominalizing suffix in Greek, forming nouns from verbs.

Etymology Origin:
The word spasm traces back to Greek spasmos, meaning "a pulling or twitching." It reflects the physical sensation of muscles contracting involuntarily, as if being "pulled" tight. Over time, it broadened metaphorically to describe sudden, uncontrolled bursts of activity.

Examples

  1. A painful spasm in his leg forced him to stop running.

  2. The political movement began with a spasm of protests across the country.

  3. She felt a spasm of guilt after forgetting her friend’s birthday.

  4. The engine gave a final spasm before shutting down completely.

  5. His speech was interrupted by a spasm of coughing.