Meaning & Definition of word "Cramp"
to
Cramp
/kræmp/
noun:
- 1. A painful and involuntary contraction of a muscle.
- Example: He had a cramp in his calf after swimming for too long.
- 2. A feeling of restriction or confinement.
- Example: The tight shoes gave her a cramp in her toes.
- 3. A device used to hold something firmly in place.
- Example: He used a cramp to secure the wood while he was cutting it.
verb:
- 1. To restrict or limit the movement or development of something.
- Example: The new regulations seemed to cramp the company's growth plans.
- 2. To cause a painful contraction in a muscle, often due to overexertion or dehydration.
- Example: She felt a cramp in her leg after running the marathon.
Etymology
Middle English 'crampe', from Old French 'crampe', from Latin 'crampare' meaning to clutch.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cramp someone's style:
To limit or restrict someone’s ability to do what they want.
cramp up:
To experience a muscle cramp suddenly.
menstrual cramp:
Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation.
Related Words
spasm:
A sudden involuntary muscular contraction.
twitch:
An uncontrolled movement or contraction of muscles.
ache:
A continuous or prolonged dull pain.
Slang Meanings of cramp
Meaning: To cramp someone's style
Example Sentence: Don't cramp my style by being so boring!
Meaning: Cramped up
Example Sentence: After that long flight, my legs were totally cramped up.