Spasmodic

Spasmodic Spasmodic Spasmodic By Maeve Maddox The adjective spasmodic means of the nature of a spasm; characterized by spasms or convulsive twitches; marked by jerkiness or suddenness of muscular movement.   In medical terms, a spasm is a sudden and violent muscular contraction of a convulsive or painful character. Both words are used figuratively. For example, inconsistent or occasional efforts at political reform are said to be spasmodic in the sense of: Occurring or proceeding by fits and starts; irregular, intermittent; not sustained or kept up. A speaking style, such as that of Milla Jovavich in The Messenger, is spasmodic in the sense of Agitated, excited; emotional, high-strung; given to outbursts of excitement; characterized by a disjointed or unequal style of expression. Here are some examples of the use of spasmodic on the web: To a roomful of adoring gays, a spasmodic Pelosi said, Dont ask dont tell†¦will be a memory come Christmas. Spasmodic reform and a little effort before elections will not accomplish much. †¦the electoral parties, always embarked in the rhythmic and spasmodic succession of seductive promises†¦ Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced. †¦there is the most horrendous spasmodic knocking noise coming from inside the [1.2 nova] engine]. Sometimes its possible to reach for the word spasmodic and not quite make it, as in this complaint from another unhappy car owner whose Mini-Cooper engine had been knocking for weeks before the incident described: †¦[the man at the dealership] said that I could have the vehicle towed in at my expense (his estimate was $600 for the towing). I declined due to the cost and the spermatic knocking. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Rhetorical Devices for Rational WritingTaser or Tazer? Tazing or Tasering?25 Idioms About Bread and Dessert