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Tic - tac-toe-Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that is difficult to control, often seen in conditions like Tourette syndrome. It can involve blinking, twitching, or vocalizations.

tic

/tɪk/ /tɪk/

Definition:

A sudden, repetitive movement or sound, often involuntary, like a muscle spasm or clock noise.

Synonyms:

spasm, twitch, jerk

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

stillness, calm

Common Collocations:

nervous tic, facial tic, eye tic

Derivatives:

ticked, ticking

Usage Tips:

Use "tic" for involuntary movements; "tick" refers to a sound or insect.

Common Phrases:

nervous tic, tic disorder, habit tic

Etymology:

From French "tic," imitative of a sudden movement or sound.

Examples:

  • 1. She has a nervous tic when stressed.
  • 2. The clock’s loud tic annoyed him.
  • 3. His eye tic worsened under pressure.
  • 4. A small tic disrupted his speech.

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