spazzed

Had a meltdown

Spazzed is the past tense of spaz, meaning to lose control physically or emotionally—to flail, panic, or freak out: I totally spazzed when I saw the spider.

The word derives from spastic, originally a medical term for muscle spasms, making it offensive to some, particularly in British English where the connection to disability remains stronger.

outburst

freakout

Episode of losing control

  • meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
  • flailSwing limbs erratically
  • berserkWildly, violently uncontrolled

unhinged · erratic · flustered · chaotic · haywire · frantic · unglued · hysterical · tantrum · fit

panic

anxiety

Persistent apprehensive distress

jitters · heart-pounding · agitation · distress · overwhelmed · stressed · frazzled · rattled · shook · nervous breakdown

hyperactive

wired

Electrically connected or jittery

restless · manic · hyper · bouncing · twitchy · caffeinated · overcaffeinated · keyed up · buzzing · revved

startle

jolt

Abrupt forceful shake

  • startledAbruptly surprised or alarmed
  • surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
  • flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat

jump · gasp · shock · taken aback · spooked · caught off guard · knee-jerk · twitch · recoil · double-take

Opposites
emotional composure

spazzedstayed calm

chilled out · relaxed · kept one's cool · chilled · mellowed

physical/behavioral control

spazzedfroze

Became solid or still

physical/kinetic composure

spazzedglided

Moved without apparent effort

Phrases
Family

spazz, spazzes, spazzing

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG