tic
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈtɪk// UK //tˈɪk// tic
n. a small, sudden movement or sound that a person makes without meaning to. It is often caused by being nervous or tired.
n. an involuntary, repetitive, and non-rhythmic movement or vocalisation. Often associated with neurological conditions or psychological stress.
He has a nervous tic that makes his eye blink.
The doctor explained that the child's facial tic was likely a temporary reaction to the stress of starting a new school.
While some motor tics are barely noticeable to an observer, others can be quite disruptive to a person's daily social interactions and may require behavioural therapy to manage.
Usage
Commonly modified by adjectives like 'nervous', 'facial', or 'vocal'.