cramp

Everyday

1. A cramp is a sudden, painful tightening of a muscle, often in the leg or foot. tree →
2. Cramps are pains in the stomach. tree →
3. To cramp means to stop someone moving or acting freely: cramp your style. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and swimming lessons, pupils learn that cramp can happen when muscles are tired; stretching gently and drinking water help. In everyday life, writing for a long time can give you a cramp in your hand. Phrases: get cramp, leg cramp, stomach cramps, cramped (crowded).

Examples

• I got cramp in my leg during the race. tree →
• Stretch your leg to ease the cramp. tree →
• My hand had a cramp after writing so much. tree →
• She had stomach cramps after eating too fast. tree →
• A cramp in the water can be dangerous, so swim near the shore. tree →
• The small car felt cramped with five people in it. tree →
• Even where he was, Shere Khan’s shoulders and forepaws were cramped for want of room, as a man’s would be if he tried to fight in a barrel. tree →

Note

In the UK people often say I've got cramp (uncountable); in the USA, I have a cramp (countable). Adjective cramped means too small and crowded. Myth: you don't have to wait an hour after eating before swimming, but a big meal can make you uncomfortable.