cramp
cramp1 definition
cramp (kramp)
noun
- a sudden, painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles from chill, strain, etc.
- partial local paralysis, as from excessive use of muscles
- abdominal or uterine spasms and pain
Etymology: ME crampe < OFr, bent, twisted < Frank *kramp; akin to MDu & MLowG krampe: for IE base see cradle
transitive verb
to cause a cramp or cramps in: often in the passive
cramp2 definition
cramp (kramp)
noun
- a metal bar bent to form a right angle at each end, for holding together blocks of stone, timbers, etc.also called cramp iron
- a device for clasping or fastening things together; a clamp
- anything that confines or hampers
- a cramped condition or part
Etymology: MDu krampe, lit., bent in, hence anything bent in; akin to cramp
transitive verb
- to fasten with or as with a cramp
- to confine; hamper; restrain
- to turn (the front wheels of an automobile, etc.) sharply
adjective
cramp Idioms
cramp someone's style
Slang to hamper someone's usual skill or confidence in doing something
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