Word
tic
US/ˈtɪk/
UK/tˈɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“He has a nervous tic that makes his eye blink.”
contextual
“The doctor explained that the child's facial tic was likely a temporary reaction to the stress of starting a new school.”
complex
“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'.
Real-World Examples
“The overuse of twinkly wind chimes and pop-style scoop notes become musical tics, shifting the dial closer to Disney romance than Victorian gothic.” “These tics often come and go, change over time and may occur along with attention problems, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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