Hiccup

Definition

The noun "hiccup" refers to (1) an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm followed by a sudden closure of the vocal cords, producing a characteristic sound; and (2) a minor interruption or temporary setback in a process. As a verb, "hiccup" means to experience such spasms or to undergo a brief interruption.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈhɪk.ʌp/
• Respelling: HIK-up

British English

• IPA: /ˈhɪk.ʌp/
• Respelling: HIK-up

Etymology

Mid 16th century, imitative of the sound “hic” made during the involuntary spasm; first recorded in English with the sense of an involuntary diaphragm contraction.

Derivatives

• Hiccups (plural noun)
• Hiccupping (verb, present participle)
• Hiccupped (verb, past tense/past participle)

Synonyms

• Spasm (for diaphragm contraction)
• Interruption (for minor setback)
• Glitch (informal, for brief hiccup in process)

Antonyms

• Continuity
• Smooth operation
• Uninterrupted flow

Usage

"Hiccup" appears in medical, everyday, and informal contexts. Examples: "After the soda, he couldn’t stop hiccuping," and "There was a small hiccup in the software rollout."

Related Terms

• Spasm: A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
• Diaphragm: The primary muscle involved in breathing.
• Setback: An unexpected delay or problem.
• Glitch: A brief fault in a system or device.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm: Causes a sudden intake of breath and closure of the vocal cords.
  • Example: "She tried holding her breath to stop the hiccups."
• A minor interruption or temporary setback: A brief problem that delays progress.
  • Example: "The project encountered a hiccup when the server went down."

Verb

• To experience an involuntary diaphragm spasm: To have hiccups.
  • Example: "After drinking the fizzy drink, he hiccupped repeatedly."
• To undergo a brief interruption or glitch: To hit a minor snag.
  • Example: "The video stream hiccupped for a few seconds."