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twitch

v. · n.
US //ˈtwɪtʃ// UK //twˈɪtʃ// twitch
  1. 1 to make a small movement (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a very small, sudden movement that you often cannot control.

    to move with a sudden, slight, often involuntary contraction of the muscles.

    Example

    His eyelid began to twitch because he was very tired and stressed.

    Example

    The dog lay sleeping on the rug, its paws beginning to twitch as if it were chasing something in a dream.

    Usage

    Often used intransitively to describe body parts like eyes, lips, or limbs.
  2. 2 a sudden muscle movement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a short, sudden movement of a muscle.

    a brief, sudden, and often involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group.

    Example

    A nervous twitch in his cheek showed that he was actually quite angry.

    Example

    The patient complained of a persistent twitch in her left calf, which the doctor attributed to a minor electrolyte imbalance.
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  1. 3 birdwatching trip (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal British English

    a trip taken specifically to see a rare bird that has been spotted somewhere.

    the act of traveling a long distance to see a rare bird that has been sighted by others.

    Example

    He went on a long twitch to the coast to see the rare eagle.

    Example

    The news of the rare warbler's arrival sparked a massive twitch, with hundreds of enthusiasts descending on the small nature reserve.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very specific term used by birdwatchers (twitchers) in the UK; general learners may never encounter it outside of hobbyist contexts.
  2. 4 horse restraint (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a tool used to keep a horse still by tightening a loop around its lip.

    a device consisting of a loop of cord or chain at the end of a stick, used to restrain a horse by applying pressure to the upper lip.

    Example

    The vet used a twitch to keep the horse calm while cleaning the wound.

    Example

    Applying the twitch causes the release of endorphins in the horse, which helps keep the animal stationary during minor medical procedures.
Etymology 1

From Middle English twicchen, from Old English twiċċan, from Proto-West Germanic twikkijan (“to nail, pin, fasten, clasp, pinch”). Cognate with English tweak, Low German twikken, German Low German twicken (“to pinch, pinch off”), zweckōn and gizwickan (> German zwicken (“to pinch”)).

Etymology 2

alternate of quitch

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