Search Dictionary
Definition of spastically

spastically

/ˈspæs.tɪ.kəl.i/
spas · ti · cal · ly
Adjective:spastic
JUMP TO:

spastically Lexical Profile

spastically Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner characterized by or relating to involuntary muscle spasms or spasticity.

Example

"The patient's affected limb moved spastically during the neurological examination."

2

In an erratic, uncoordinated, or overly excitable manner (informal and often offensive).

Example

"The malfunctioning robotic arm flailed spastically across the assembly table."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spastically
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spastically

Word Nuance & Usage

While neutral in clinical neurology to describe involuntary muscle contractions, non-medical use to mean 'awkwardly' or 'clumsily' is widely considered offensive, particularly in British English.

• Rhymes for spastically

• Nearby Words

spasm
spasmodically
spastic
spastically
spat
spate
spathiphyllum

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'spastic' plus the adverbial suffix '-ally', ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek 'spastikos' ('drawing in' or 'afflicted with spasm'), from 'span' ('to draw or pull').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spastically. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spastically
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.