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cramp

noun (1)
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\ ˈkramp How to pronounce cramp (audio) \

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 styleMy 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 Learn More about cramp

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Other Words from cramp

Noun (1)

crampy \ ˈkram-​pē How to pronounce cramp (audio) \ adjective

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.
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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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Time Traveler for cramp

Time Traveler

The first known use of cramp was in the 14th century

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Statistics for cramp

Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cramp. Accessed 17 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for cramp

cramp

verb

English Language Learners Definition of cramp

: to cause (a part of the body) to feel pain because of tight muscles : to cause a cramp in (your hand, foot, etc.)
: to have a sudden painful tightening of muscles : to experience a cramp or cramps
: to prevent (something) from developing or growing freely

See the full definition for cramp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cramp

noun
\ ˈkramp How to pronounce cramp (audio) \

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 How to pronounce cramp (audio) \

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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More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cramp

Nglish: Translation of cramp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cramp for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cramp

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