Dictionary
twitch
Pronunciation: (twich), [key]—
v.t.
1. to tug or pull at with a quick, short movement; pluck:
She twitched him by the sleeve.
2. to jerk rapidly:
The rider twitched the reins a couple of times.
3. to move (a part of the body) with a sudden, jerking motion.
4. to pinch or pull at sharply and painfully; give a smarting pinch to; nip.
—
v.i.
1. to move spasmodically or convulsively; jerk; jump.
2. to give a sharp, sudden pull; tug; pluck (usually fol. by
at):
He constantly twitched at his collar.
3. to ache or hurt with a sharp, shooting pain; twinge:
That back tooth twitches a bit.
—
n.
1. a quick, jerky movement of the body or of some part of it.
2. involuntary, spasmodic movement of a muscle; tic:
He gets a twitch in his left eye when he's nervous.
3. a short, sudden pull or tug; jerk.
4. a bodily or mental twinge, as of pain, conscience, etc.; pang.
5. a loop or noose placed over the muzzle of a horse and tightened by twisting a stick or handle to which it is attached, used as a restraining device during a painful operation.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
