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
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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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.
He was sidelined for Game 1 because of a knee contusion he picked up in practice.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026
And even though Smart missed his fifth straight game Tuesday night against the Cavaliers with a right ankle contusion, Ayton and the Lakers still felt his presence.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Doncic was dealing with right hip soreness and Reaves was battling a right forearm contusion after Wednesday’s physical win over Houston.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026
LeBron James was downgraded to out with a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis for the Lakers’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 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.
