Sprain

/spreɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

an injury to a joint caused by the sudden twisting or turning of the body, resulting in pain and swelling.

The doctor diagnosed her with a wrist sprain after the fall.

the condition resulting from such an injury.

He is recovering from a sprain that occurred during the soccer game.

verb

to injure a joint by a sudden twist or impact, causing pain and often swelling.

He sprained his ankle while playing basketball.

to force or stretch something to its limits.

She sprained her back while lifting heavy boxes.

Middle English sprainen, possibly from Old French espraindre, meaning to squeeze.

sprain one's ankle

To injure the ankle ligaments, often causing pain and swelling.

sprain one's wrist

To injure the wrist ligaments, typically from a sudden movement.

strain

An overstretching or overexertion of muscle or tendon.

ligament

A fibrous connective tissue that connects bone to bone.

Twist the ankle badly.

I totally rolled my ankle, definitely a sprain!

Get injured in a game.

He sprained out during the match, that was a rough play!