sprain

[ spreyn ]
See synonyms for sprain on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to overstrain or wrench (the ligaments of an ankle, wrist, or other joint) so as to injure without fracture or dislocation.

noun
  1. a violent straining or wrenching of the parts around a joint, without dislocation.

  2. the condition of being sprained.

Origin of sprain

1
First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

synonym study For sprain

1. See strain1.

Other words for sprain

Other words from sprain

  • un·sprained, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use sprain in a sentence

  • I sprang through the underbrush and came down roughly into a sort of quarry, spraining my ankle on a pile of stones.

  • The spraining of Patty's ankle seemed to Bathalina a direct visitation of Providence in reproof for her vain merry-making.

British Dictionary definitions for sprain

sprain

/ (spreɪn) /


verb
  1. (tr) to injure (a joint) by a sudden twisting or wrenching of its ligaments

noun
  1. the resulting injury to such a joint, characterized by swelling and temporary disability

Origin of sprain

1
C17: of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012