contusion
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contusion
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contūsiōn-, stem of contūsiō; equivalent to contuse + -ion
Compare meaning
How does contusion compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Contusion is really just a fancy word for a bad bruise. Professional athletes are often benched suffering from contusions. After all, if they're being paid millions, it sounds kinda wimpy to pull them because they're suffering from a...bruise. A contusion is any damage to the body that doesn't break the skin but ruptures the blood capillaries beneath, resulting in a handsome-looking discoloration. For once, it's a medical term not used widely to describe a broader emotional or psychological state. You could talk about an "emotional contusion," but please, better not to. There are better terms around (see heartbroken, wounded, forlorn, etc.). Your audience will thank you.
Vocabulary lists containing contusion
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I remember my first-ever gig with Stevie, being invited up on to the stage to play Contusion.
From The Guardian • Jun. 17, 2010
For all group sports involving a ball, the Summer Gamesman may wish to use the Shakespearean False Contusion.
From Time Magazine Archive
He warmed up with a leisurely bit of improvisation called Approaching Contusion, then swung into some of his most famous hits: Superwoman, Superstition, Keep on Running.
From Time Magazine Archive
The Custom of rolling the naked Foot upon some round Body is insufficient, when the Bones are not perfectly replaced; and hurtful, when the Sprain is accompanied with a Contusion.
From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)
Contusion in this region, on the other hand, is not uncommon.
From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
