# tic

/ˈtɪk/ (US) · /tˈɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tic
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a small, sudden movement or sound that a person makes without meaning to. It is often caused by being nervous or tired.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.