'spasm' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'spasmos,' where 'spas-' meant 'to pull or draw.'

'spasmos' transformed into the Latin word 'spasmus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spasm' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'to pull or draw,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sudden, involuntary contraction.'