Sprain Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/sprɛɪn/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to each other, often causing pain and swelling.

Examples

• She suffered a sprain in her ankle after falling off her bike.
• The athlete was diagnosed with a severe sprain that required several weeks of rest.

Synonyms

• Strain
• Tear

Antonyms

• Heal
• Repair

Additional Information

A sprain can occur in various parts of the body, such as the ankle, knee, or wrist. It is often caused by sudden twisting or bending movements, and symptoms may include pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Sprains can range from mild to severe, with mild sprains causing minimal damage to the ligaments and severe sprains involving complete tears. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments.

Avoiding sudden movements, warming up before exercise, and wearing protective gear can help prevent sprains.

Etymology

The word “sprain” comes from the Old French word “espraindre,” meaning “to stretch or strain,” which is derived from the Latin “sprandere,” meaning “to stretch out.”

Usage Notes

When using the word “sprain,” be sure to specify the affected area of the body, such as “ankle sprain” or “wrist sprain.” Additionally, avoid using the term “sprain” interchangeably with “strain,” as they have distinct meanings.

Cultural References

The term “sprain” has been used in various sports contexts, such as in football, basketball, and soccer, to describe injuries sustained by athletes.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Sprain one’s ankle” means to injure one’s ankle.

Related Words or Phrases

• Strain
• Tear
• Injury

Collocations

• ankle sprain
• wrist sprain
• knee sprain

Frequency of Use

The word “sprain” is commonly used in medical and sports contexts, with an estimated frequency of 0.00006% in modern language.

Common Misspellings

• sprane
• sprayn