sprain

UK: /ˈspreɪn/ US: /spreɪn/ ,(sprān)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sprain /spreɪn/   v. [~ + object]

1. Pathology to overstrain or twist (the ligaments around a joint) so as to injure without a fracture or break:
   He sprained his knee when he twisted it and fell.

n. [countable]

2. Pathology an injury to the ligaments around a joint.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sprain  (sprān), v.t. 

1. Pathology to overstrain or wrench (the ligaments of an ankle, wrist, or other joint) so as to injure without fracture or dislocation.

n. 

2. Pathology a violent straining or wrenching of the parts around a joint, without dislocation.
3. Pathology the condition of being sprained.

• origin, originally uncertain 1595–1605

Synonyms

• 1. twist. See strain ¹.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

sprain / spreɪn/ verb

1. (transitive) to injure (a joint) by a sudden twisting or wrenching of its ligaments

noun

1. the resulting injury to such a joint, characterized by swelling and temporary disability

Etymology: 17th Century: of uncertain origin