sprain
(verb, noun)
past tense: sprained
LISTEN
Sprain means ‘to injure the ligaments around a joint without breaking or fracturing a bone.’
- The gymnast sprained her ankle during her dismount.
- When Julia moved the box of books, she sprained her back.
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint.
- Helen applied ice to her sprain.
Did you know?
Do you know the difference between a sprain and a strain? Watch this emergency room physician explain in this video.
In pop culture
Anyone can sprain their ankle. Watch this scene from the ’90s US TV show Baywatch.
There are other meanings of sprain.
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