spasmodic

adjective spas·mod·ic \spaz-ˈmä-dik\

: relating to or caused by a spasm

: happening suddenly and briefly at different times in a way that is not regular

Full Definition of SPASMODIC

a : relating to or affected or characterized by spasm

b : resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence <a spasmodic jerk>

: acting or proceeding fitfully : intermittent <spasmodic activity>

: subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : excitable

— spas·mod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Origin of SPASMODIC

New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmōdēs, from spasmos

First Known Use: circa 1681

Related to SPASMODIC

Synonyms: aperiodic, casual, catchy, choppy, discontinuous, episodic (also episodical), erratic, intermittent, irregular, occasional, fitful, spastic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

Antonyms: constant, continuous, habitual, periodic, regular, repeated, steady

Synonym Discussion of SPASMODIC

fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement. fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings <fitful sleep>. spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity <spasmodic growth>. convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement <convulsive shocks>.