cramp

cramp

cramp¹ [kramp]

n.

[ME crampe < OFr, bent, twisted < Frank * kramp; akin to MDu & MLowG krampe: for IE base see CRADLE]

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. [usually pl.] abdominal or uterine spasms and pain

vt.

to cause a cramp or cramps in: often in the passive

cramp² [kramp]

n.

[MDu krampe, lit., bent in, hence anything bent in; akin to CRAMP¹]

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

vt.

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

adj.

CRAMPED

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cramp someone's style

Slang to hamper someone's usual skill or confidence in doing something