cramp

noun

1. a sudden, painful, involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles from chill, strain, etc.
2. partial local paralysis, as from excessive use of muscles
3. 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

noun

1. a metal bar bent to form a right angle at each end, for holding together blocks of stone, timbers, etc.
   also called cramp iron
2. a device for clasping or fastening things together; a clamp
3. anything that confines or hampers
4. a cramped condition or part

Etymology: MDu krampe, lit., bent in, hence anything bent in; akin to cramp

transitive verb

1. to fasten with or as with a cramp
2. to confine; hamper; restrain
3. to turn (the front wheels of an automobile, etc.) sharply

adjective