convulsion

American  

[kuhn-vuhl-shuhn] / kənˈvʌl ʃən /

noun

1. contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the extremities, trunk, and head.

2. violent agitation or disturbance; commotion.

3. an outburst of great, uncontrollable laughter.

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convulsion British  

/ kənˈvʌlʃən /

noun

1. a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles

2. a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one

3. informal (usually plural) uncontrollable laughter

   I was in convulsions

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convulsion Cultural  

1. A severe, often violent involuntary contraction of the muscles. Convulsions may be caused by high fevers or poisoning and often accompany such diseases such as epilepsy.

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Other Word Forms

• convulsionary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of convulsion

First recorded in 1575–85, convulsion is from the Latin word convulsiōn- (stem of convulsiō ). See convulse, -ion

Explanation

If you see someone have a convulsion, it can either be scary or funny, depending on whether it's caused by a medical condition or a really funny joke. A convulsion is a jerking, uncontrolled movement. When a person has a convulsion, it appears as a sudden, violent movement of the body. Convulsions most often happen as a result of a medical condition or illness like epilepsy, but you can also describe a jerky, irregular movement as a convulsion, even if it's caused by hiccups or laughter. A political upheaval or social turmoil can also be called a convulsion, if it's abrupt and violent. The Latin root word is convulsionem, which means "to tear loose."

Example Sentences

Convulsion begins: a Bacchic ecstasy of vino nero, roaring scooters, rock 'n' roll.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Act for regulating Prices, you tell me has made a great Convulsion especially in Boston.

From The Writings of Samuel Adams - Volume 3 by Cushing, Harry Alonzo

Convulsion followed convulsion, till they closed in death, without her being able to utter a word explanatory of the fatal scene.

From The Bride of Lammermoor by Scott, Walter, Sir

Simple Convulsion Fits, which are not epileptic, are frequently of a long Continuance, persevering, with very few and short Intervals, for Days and even for Weeks.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

"Convulsion," was a word that held a terror for Kate above any other in the medical books.

From A Daughter of the Land by Stratton-Porter, Gene

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor