tic

/tɪk/

/tɪk/

Other forms: tics

When a muscle moves or spasms suddenly, it's a tic. You can also think of a tic as a habitual movement.

If you have an urge to blink your eyes, move your head in a certain way, or clear your throat repeatedly, each of those movements can be described as tics. Some people make unintentional vocal sounds that experts call phonic tics. Some tics are completely involuntary, while others are more of a response to a strong urge. More generally, you can use this word for a word you use habitually when you speak or write. If you participate in a formal debate, you'll want to eliminate your tic of saying "um" at the beginning of sentences.

Definitions of tic

1. noun

   a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
   type of:

   twitch, twitching, vellication

   a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition
2. noun

   a usually unconscious habit or quirk of speech or behavior
   type of:

   crotchet, oddity, queerness, quirk, quirkiness

   a strange attitude or habit