Search
Select the dictionary language
to cramp
01
to limit or stop something from moving or progressing freely
Transitive: to cramp movement or progress of something
Examples
The traffic jam cramped our journey to the airport.
Do n't let fear cramp your ability to take risks and try new things.
02
to experience a sharp, painful tightening or contraction in a muscle
Intransitive
Examples
After running for miles, she suddenly cramped in her calf and had to stop.
He cramped in the middle of the night, waking up from the intense pain.
03
to cause someone or something to experience a sudden, painful contraction of a muscle or a restriction
Transitive: to cramp a muscle
Examples
The cold water cramped his leg, making him stop swimming.
The long hours of sitting cramped her back, leaving her stiff and sore.
04
to secure or fasten something using a tool or device called a cramp that hold pieces together
Transitive: to cramp two things
Examples
The workers cramped the beams into position before the cement set.
The technician cramped the parts together to ensure they were aligned correctly.
Cramp
01
a sudden painful contraction in a muscle due to fatigue
Examples
He got a cramp in his calf during the marathon and had to stop.
Swimming in cold water can trigger muscle cramps.
02
a metal strip bent at the ends, used to hold bricks or stones together
Examples
The builder used a cramp to keep the stone wall from falling apart.
Old buildings often have hidden cramps to strengthen the bricks.
03
a tool that holds pieces of wood tightly while the glue dries
Examples
He tightened the cramp to keep the wooden pieces together.
You 'll need a cramp to fix this broken chair leg properly.
Lexical Tree
cramped
cramp
