spasm

Meanings

Noun

• A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle, a group of muscles, or a hollow organ.
• A violent, excruciating seizure of pain.
• A sudden and temporary burst of energy, activity, or emotion.

Verb

• To produce and undergo a spasm.

Origin

• From Middle English spasme, from Old French spasme, from Latin spasmus, from Ancient Greek σπασμός, from σπάω.