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.”
Commonly modified by adjectives like 'nervous', 'facial', or 'vocal'.
“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.”