cramp

Involuntary muscle clench

A cramp is a sudden, painful muscle contraction—the kind that seizes your calf in the middle of the night or doubles you over during exercise.

Menstrual cramps afflict the abdomen.

To cramp is to restrict or confine: The tiny apartment cramped her style.

A cramp is also a metal clamp for holding things together.

muscle

charleyhorse

Painful involuntary muscle contraction

spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
contractionReduction in size
knotTied rope fastening

kink · crick · twitch · stiffness · soreness · ache · strain · tightness · seize · pull

stomach

abdominal

Of the belly region

gripeVoice minor displeasure
colicSpasmodic abdominal distress
gutDigestive tract, or instinct

intestinal · digestive · nausea · gastric · belly · churning · spasm · griping · bellyache · indigestion

restrict

confine

Restrict to boundaries

constrainTo limit or restrict
limitMaximum allowed extent
inhibitTo restrain or hinder

hamper · hinder · impede · stifle · narrow · crowd · squeeze · congest · cram · box in

menstrual

dysmenorrhea

Painful monthly bleeding condition

period painDiscomfort during menstruation
uterineOf the womb
pelvicOf the hip girdle

bloating · cycle · hormonal · prostaglandins · ibuprofen · heating pad · hot water bottle · monthly · premenstrual · dull ache

fastener

clamp

Device for holding tight

bracketSupport or category
clipCut or attach
holdfastDevice for secure attachment

brace · staple · vise · grip · clasp · cinch · anchor · secure · fasten · iron

writing

penmanship

Skill of forming letters

handGrasping body part
scrawlCareless, illegible writing
gripSecure manual hold

pen · pencil · script · longhand · calligraphy · fatigue · dystonia · overuse

Categories

painache, pain, agony, hurt, hurting
bodily sensationspain, ache, tingling, burning, numbness
body discomfortsitching, burning, stinging, aching, throbbing
body painache, aches, pain, pang, throb
exercise injuriesmuscle strain, pulled muscle, sprain, sprains, muscle tear
physical conditionsillness, disease, sickness, injury, disability

Opposites

physical muscle state

cramprelaxation

State of being unwound

release · relief · ease · looseness · suppleness

restriction of action

crampfree

Without payment or restriction

facilitate · liberate · enable · aid · assist

spatial confinement

Increase in size

open · spaciousness · roominess · openness · unclog

Phrases

stomach crampsInvoluntary abdominal muscle contractions
muscle crampsInvoluntary painful tissue contractions
leg crampsInvoluntary limb muscle tightening
cramping sensationInvoluntary muscle tightening pain
cramp someone's styleHinder self-expression
brain crampTemporary cognitive failure

Family

cramped, cramps, cramping, crampy, crampons, crampon

Familiarity: Top 10,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G