contusion
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- contusioned adjective
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.
Marcus Smart, who had missed nine straight games with a right ankle contusion, had six points in 18 minutes.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026
The Lakers could also be without guard Marcus Smart, who has missed the last three games because of a right ankle contusion.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026
He then departed to receive stitches and returned to the game while Jones remained in the Nuggets locker room with what the team called a head contusion.
From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026
He missed six games in January with a right calf contusion, returning with a strong performance in the Grizzlies' win over the Orlando Magic in London.
From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026
Half was a purple contusion that hung in strips like a shredded mask.
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
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.
