spastic

[ spas-tik ]
/ ˈspæs tɪk /

adjective

Pathology. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by spasm, especially tonic spasm.
Slang: Offensive. awkward or clumsy.

noun

Pathology. a person exhibiting spasms.
Slang: Offensive. an awkward or clumsy person.

Origin of spastic

1745–55; < Latin spasticus afflicted with spasms < Greek spastikós of a spasm, equivalent to spas-, stem of spân to pull off, pluck, convulse + -tikos -tic

usage note for spastic

The slang use of spastic (or spaz ) to mean “clumsy” is perceived as insulting to people who are affected with muscular spasms.

OTHER WORDS FROM spastic

spas·ti·cal·ly, adverb spas·tic·i·ty [spa-stis-i-tee] /spæˈstɪs ɪ ti/, noun

Words nearby spastic

spasmolytic, spasmophilia, spasmophilic, spasmus nutans, spassky, spastic, spastic abasia, spastic gait, spastic hemiplegia, spastic ileus, spastic paralysis

British Dictionary definitions for spasticity

spastic
/ (ˈspæstɪk, spæsˈtɪsɪtɪ) /

noun

an old-fashioned and now offensive name for a person who has cerebral palsy
taboo, slang a clumsy, incapable, or incompetent person

adjective

affected by or resembling spasms
taboo, slang clumsy, incapable or incompetent

Derived forms of spastic

spastically, adverb spasticity, noun See cerebral palsy

Word Origin for spastic

C18: from Latin spasticus, from Greek spastikos, from spasmos spasm

Medical definitions for spasticity (1 of 2)

spasticity
[ spă-stĭs′ĭ-tē ]

n.

A spastic state or condition.
Spastic paralysis.

Medical definitions for spasticity (2 of 2)

spastic
[ spăs′tĭk ]

adj.

Relating to or affected by spasm.
Relating to spastic paralysis.