spasmodic

IPA/spæzˈmɒdɪk/
KK[spæzmˈɔdɪk]IPA/spæzˈmɑːdɪk/

spasmodic — adjective

  • spasmodicpositive
  • more spasmodiccomparative
  • most spasmodicsuperlative

1. happening in sudden short bursts with uneven gaps in between, rather than steadi

1.形容詞C1
釋義

happening in sudden short bursts with uneven gaps in between, rather than steadily or regularly

例句

Rafael's spasmodic coughing kept the whole family awake through the night.

spasmodic + coughing (bodily action that starts and stops)

The internet connection was spasmodic all week, cutting out every few hours.

spasmodic + connection (service that keeps dropping)

同義詞
  • intermittent

    more neutral and common; lacks the sudden-burst feel of spasmodic

  • fitful

    suggests restless, disturbed irregularity, often used of sleep or light

  • sporadic

    scattered and infrequent; does not imply the abruptness of each occurrence

  • erratic

    emphasises unpredictability rather than stop-start rhythm

反義詞

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (MUSCLE SPASMS): this sense describes the irregular on-and-off timing pattern of any action or event, not a physical medical condition.

常見錯誤

❌He made sporadic efforts to exercise.' (when you mean irregular, short-lived bursts).
✅He made spasmodic efforts to exercise.
💡'sporadic' means scattered and infrequent but does not carry the sudden-stop-start quality of 'spasmodic.'

2. caused by or involving sudden, uncontrollable tightening of muscles

2.形容詞C2
釋義

caused by or involving sudden, uncontrollable tightening of muscles

例句

Theo felt a spasmodic jerk in his leg as he was falling asleep.

spasmodic + jerk (involuntary muscle twitch)

After the long hike, Adina's calf muscles tightened in spasmodic waves.

同義詞
  • convulsive

    more violent and forceful; suggests whole-body or severe jerking

  • spastic

    clinical term; can be offensive when applied to people in non-medical contexts

  • involuntary

    broader term covering any uncontrolled movement, not only spasms

反義詞

用法筆記

This is the literal, medical sense. Used almost exclusively for involuntary muscle movements — do not use it for general irregular timing (see sense 1).