spasm

Everyday

1. A sudden tightening of a muscle that you cannot control, which may hurt. tree →
2. A sudden short burst of a feeling or action, like a spasm of coughing or of anger. tree →

In the lessons

In health and PE lessons a muscle spasm or cramp can happen when tired or not warmed up; stretching helps. In stories «a spasm of pain» or «a spasm of fear» shows a sudden strong feeling. Phrases: «back spasm», «go into spasm».

Examples

• He felt a spasm in his leg near the end of the race. tree →
• A spasm of coughing stopped her from speaking. tree →
• Hiccups are spasms of the muscle under your lungs. tree →
• Gentle stretching can ease a muscle spasm. tree →
• A spasm of fear went through him when the light went out. tree →
• Her back went into spasm when she lifted the box. tree →

Note

Countable. Say «SPAZ-um». Adjective: spasmodic (happening in fits). Trap: the short word «spaz» or «spastic» used as an insult is very offensive to disabled people; never use it.