sprain

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to injure a joint by suddenly twisting or stretching its ligaments without dislocating it

   She sprained her ankle when she landed awkwardly after the jump.

2. 2
   noun

   an injury caused by overstretching or tearing the ligaments around a joint

   The doctor diagnosed a mild wrist sprain and recommended rest and ice.

Recorded in English from the early seventeenth century and perhaps borrowed from Middle French espraindre, 'to press or wring out,' from Latin exprimere. The origin is uncertain, but the physical image is one of wrenching or excessive pressure.

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