twitch

To make a small, sudden movement, often without being able to control it.

• My eyelid keeps twitching.
• The cat's tail twitched as it watched the bird.
• His fingers were twitching nervously during the interview.

Similar words: jerk, spasm

Common phrases: twitch nervously, begin to twitch, twitch in sleep, start to twitch

To make a body part move slightly and suddenly.

• The rabbit twitched its nose.
• He twitched an eyebrow when he heard the price.
• She twitched her fingers to signal that she was awake.

How to use it: twitch something (She twitched her nose at the unpleasant smell.)

Similar words: wiggle, jerk

Common phrases: twitch someone's nose, twitch an eyebrow, twitch someone's fingers

To pull something with a short, sharp movement.

• She twitched my sleeve to get my attention.
• He twitched the rope sharply.
• The child twitched the cloth off the table.

How to use it: twitch something aside (He twitched the curtain aside to see outside.)

Similar words: jerk, tug, yank

Common phrases: twitch someone's sleeve, twitch something aside, twitch a rope

A small, sudden movement of a body part, often one you cannot control.

• I have a twitch in my eye.
• A slight twitch of his mouth suggested amusement.
• The doctor asked about her frequent muscle twitches.

How to use it: a twitch in something (He noticed a twitch in his cheek.); a twitch of something (A twitch of her eyebrow revealed her surprise.)

Similar words: spasm, jerk

Common phrases: nervous twitch, muscle twitch, twitch of something