View synonyms for spastic

spastic

[ spas-tik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Pathology. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by spasm, especially tonic spasm.
Slang: Offensive. awkward or clumsy.

noun

Pathology. a person exhibiting spasms.
Slang: Offensive. an awkward or clumsy person.

spastic

/ spæsˈtɪsɪtɪ; ˈspæstɪk /

noun

an old-fashioned and now offensive name for a person who has cerebral palsy
taboo.
a clumsy, incapable, or incompetent person

adjective

affected by or resembling spasms
taboo.
clumsy, incapable or incompetent

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Sensitive Note

The slang use of spastic (or spaz ) to mean “clumsy” is perceived as insulting to people who are affected with muscular spasms.

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Derived Forms

ˈspastically, adverb
spasˈticity, noun

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Other Words From

spasti·cal·ly adverb
spas·tic·i·ty [spa-, stis, -i-tee], noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of spastic¹

1745–55; < Latin spasticus afflicted with spasms < Greek spastikós of a spasm, equivalent to spas-, stem of spân to pull off, pluck, convulse + -tikos -tic

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Word History and Origins

Origin of spastic¹

C18: from Latin spasticus, from Greek spastikos, from spasmos spasm

Related Words

Spassky spastic paralysis

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