rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytwitchSudden involuntary movement
noun / verb

twitch

TWICH/twɪtʃ/

A brief, sudden movement made without conscious control.

The eyelid twitches in a tiny involuntary movement.

Close-up human eye with a tiny involuntary eyelid twitch shown by subtle motion marks, no writing.
Etymology
twitchOld Englishto pluck, catch hold of

The verb first described plucking or pulling something with a quick jerk. That abrupt action became a description of a body's own sudden, spasmodic movement.

In context

Enkephalikos16:48
This forcefully bypasses the supplementary motor area and directly triggers the motor neurons, causing the subject's finger to involuntarily twitch and press the button.
#33 Conscious & Unconscious Processing | PART 2 Action Control & Memory Recall

More examples

  • A twitch crossed her cheek.
  • His fingers twitched.
  • The muscle is twitching again.

Forms

twitch · twitches · twitched · twitching

Similar words

jerk
Usually a stronger or more extensive sudden movement.
spasm
A sudden muscle contraction that can last longer.