Literary notes about spasmodic (AI summary)
The word "spasmodic" is employed to evoke sensations of erratic, sudden, and often involuntary action, whether describing physical movements, intermittent efforts, or even bursts of speech. In literature, the term is used to paint vivid images of bodily convulsions, such as the abrupt muscle contractions in a character's neck or limbs ([1], [2], [3]), as well as to illustrate the irregular and unpredictable flow of emotions or attention ([4], [5]). Its application ranges from portraying clinical or medical conditions—like convulsive asthma or tremors ([6], [7])—to enriching narrative descriptions of dramatic outbursts or fleeting, disrupted states ([8], [9], [10]). Overall, "spasmodic" functions as a versatile descriptor, capturing both the physical and metaphorical suddenness and irregularity inherent in human actions and conditions.
- When I was rubbing his neck, his head and neck were unnaturally bent back by the spasmodic action of the muscles.
— from The Most Extraordinary Trial of William Palmer, for the Rugeley Poisonings, which lasted Twelve Days by Anonymous - Gradually his contortions became spasmodic, lessening by degrees until they ceased entirely.
— from The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs - The man's right hand went up with a sort of spasmodic jerk.
— from The Cave of GoldA Tale of California in '49 by Everett McNeil - Murder may swagger, theft may rule and prostitution may flourish and the nation gives but spasmodic, intermittent and lukewarm attention.
— from Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil by W. E. B. Du Bois - ‘Yes; everything is all right,’ said Phil, breathlessly, delivering himself of his information in spasmodic bursts of words.
— from A Summer in a Canyon: A California Story by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin - A spasmodic asthma, attended with symptoms of effusion.
— from An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical UsesWith Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by William Withering - Then the medicines should be anti-spasmodic and relaxant, tonic, diaphoretic, and lubricating.
— from The American Reformed Cattle Doctor
Containing the necessary information for preserving the health and curing the diseases of oxen, cows, sheep, and swine, with a great variety of original recipes, and valuable information in reference to farm and dairy management by George H. Dadd - The delirium was succeeded by spasmodic paroxysms.
— from A Lady's Captivity among Chinese Pirates in the Chinese Seas by Fanny Loviot - It is a spasmodic struggle before dissolution.”
— from Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain - “O God!” half shrieked Ligeia, leaping to her feet and extending her arms aloft with a spasmodic movement, as I made an end of these lines—“O God!
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe