cramp

noun (1)

\ ˈkramp

How to pronounce cramp (audio)

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Definition of cramp

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle

2 : a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse — compare writer's cramp

3a : sharp abdominal pain —usually used in plural

b : persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea —usually used in plural

cramp

noun (2)

Definition of cramp (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : a usually iron device bent at the ends and used to hold timbers or blocks of stone together

b : clamp

2a : something that confines : shackle

b : the state of being confined

cramp

verb

cramped; cramping; cramps

Definition of cramp (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps

2a : confine, restrain was cramped in the tiny apartment

b : to restrain from free expression —used especially in the phrase cramp one's style My mother wasn't one to do much cooking. It cramped her style.— Lonnée Hamilton

3 : to fasten or hold with a cramp

intransitive verb

: to be affected with cramps

cramp

adjective

Definition of cramp (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : hard to understand or figure out cramp law terms cramp handwriting

2 : being cramped a cramp corner

Other Words from cramp Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing cramp Learn More About cramp

Examples of cramp in a Sentence

Verb Writing for such a long time may cramp your hand. His leg was cramping so badly he could hardly move it. The new regulations may cramp the company's financial growth.

First Known Use of cramp

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cramp

Noun (1)

Middle English crampe, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch crampe; akin to Old High German krampf bent

Noun (2)

Middle English crampe, from Middle Dutch

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Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cramp. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for cramp

cramp

noun

\ ˈkramp

\

Kids Definition of cramp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a sudden painful tightening of a muscle

2 : sharp pain in the abdomen —usually used in pl.

cramp

verb

cramped; cramping

Kids Definition of cramp (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to cause or experience a sudden painful muscular tightening in My hand was cramping from all the writing.

2 : to hold back from free action or expression : hamper We were cramped by all the rules.

cramp

noun

\ ˈkramp

\

Medical Definition of cramp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle a cramp in the leg

2 : a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse — see writer's cramp

3a : sharp abdominal pain —usually used in plural

b : persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea —usually used in plural

cramp

transitive verb

Medical Definition of cramp (Entry 2 of 2)

: to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps gout cramping his limbs

intransitive verb

: to suffer from cramps

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