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twitch

verb
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\ ˈtwich How to pronounce twitch (audio) \
twitched; twitching; twitches

Definition of twitch

 (Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move jerkily : quiver
2 : to undergo a brief spasmodic muscular contraction his hand twitched
3 : pull, pluck twitched at my sleeve

transitive verb

: to move or pull with a sudden motion : jerk

twitch

noun (1)

Definition of twitch (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : a brief spasmodic contraction of the muscle fibers
b : a slight jerk of a body part
2 : an act of twitching especially : a short sudden pull or jerk
3 : a physical or mental pang a twitch of remorse
4 : a loop of rope or strap that is tightened over a horse's lip as a restraining device

twitch

noun (2)

Definition of twitch (Entry 3 of 3)

: quack grass
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Other Words from twitch

Verb

twitcher noun

Noun (1)

twitchily \ ˈtwi-​chə-​lē How to pronounce twitch (audio) \ adverb

Examples of twitch in a Sentence

Verb Her mouth was twitching as she began to cry. The rabbit twitched its ears.

First Known Use of twitch

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (1)

circa 1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1595, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for twitch

Verb

Middle English twicchen; akin to Old English twiccian to pluck, Old High German gizwickan to pinch

Noun (2)

alteration of quitch

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Time Traveler for twitch

Time Traveler

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

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Cite this Entry

“Twitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twitch. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for twitch

twitch

verb
How to pronounce twitch (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of twitch

: to make a slight, sudden movement that is not controlled or deliberate
: to move or pull (something) with a sudden motion

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

twitch

verb
\ ˈtwich How to pronounce twitch (audio) \
twitched; twitching

Kids Definition of twitch

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to move or cause to move with a slight trembling or jerky motion : quiver The rabbit twitched its ears. Her body was twitching with exhaustion.
2 : to move or pull with a sudden motion : jerk She twitched the blanket aside.

twitch

noun

Kids Definition of twitch (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a slight tremble or jerk of a muscle or body part a twitch of the tail
2 : a short sudden pull or jerk Charlotte gave her web a twitch and moodily watched it sway.— E. B. White, Charlotte's Web

twitch

intransitive verb
\ ˈtwich How to pronounce twitch (audio) \

Medical Definition of twitch

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: to undergo a brief spasmodic muscular contraction the muscle twitched

twitch

noun

Medical Definition of twitch (Entry 2 of 3)

: a brief spasmodic contraction of muscle fibers also : a slight jerk of a body part caused by such a contraction

twitch

noun

Medical Definition of twitch (Entry 3 of 3)

: quack grass

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More from Merriam-Webster on twitch

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for twitch

Nglish: Translation of twitch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of twitch for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about twitch

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