spasms

[/ˈspæzəmz/]
nounpl: spasms
espasmos
1. sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles or groups of muscles
She experienced painful spasms in her lower back after the accident.
Ela sofreu espasmos dolorosos nas costas após o acidente.
2. sudden bursts or outbursts of activity or emotion
The project moved forward in spasms of productivity.
O projeto avançou em espasmos de produtividade.
3. brief, sudden, involuntary movements or actions
The child's spasms subsided after taking the medication.
Os espasmos da criança diminuíram após tomar o medicamento.
The term 'spasms' is used similarly in both Brazilian and American English contexts, primarily in medical settings when discussing involuntary muscle movements. In Brazil, it's commonly used in healthcare discussions and colloquially to describe irregular patterns of behavior or activity. The word carries no particular cultural stigma and is a standard medical term.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
convulsionscontractionstwitchesjerksfitsseizures
Antonyms / Antônimos
relaxationcalmstillness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
espasmos
Standard term used in medical and everyday contexts
Rio de Janeiro
espasmos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
espasmos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
espasmos
Identical usage; also commonly used in European Portuguese

Related Words

musclecontractioninvoluntaryconvulsioncramptwitchtremorseizure

Related Idioms & Phrases

in spasms - intermittently or irregularly
spasm of activity - a sudden burst of energy or work
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