sprain

[spreyn]

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.

   Synonyms: twist

noun

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

2. the condition of being sprained.

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

Other Word Forms

• unsprained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprain¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprain¹

C17: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See strain ¹.

Example Sentences

O’Neal was playing with a badly aching arthritic big toe, a sprained wrist and a handful of unlisted bangs and bruises.

From Los Angeles Times

Berger said he had fully recovered from the sprained ankle he suffered against Iowa last season that hindered him over the season’s final four games.

From Los Angeles Times

He suffered a sprained ankle in the pre-draft process, dimming any bit of spotlight he commanded.

From Los Angeles Times

Smart, 31, played in only 20 games during the 2023-24 season with the Grizzlies, his time limited by a finger injury and left foot sprain.

From Los Angeles Times

Emily Chesterton was told the calf pain she was experiencing in October 2022 was a sprain but it was in fact a blood clot.

From BBC

Related Words

• strain