contusion
Americannoun
-
contusions
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
See Examples For:
Kevin Durant returned to play after missing Game 1 because of a right knee contusion, and he was sharp early on, scoring 20 points in the first half.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 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
LeBron James missed his third consecutive game, still recovering from a hip contusion suffered in a fall against the Denver Nuggets last week.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2026
He missed the first two, against the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, with a left elbow contusion and left foot arthritis.
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
He was hospitalized and suffered a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg, a spokesperson for Giuliani said at the time.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026
It is not quite the classic meet-cute, though cute enough, contusions aside: Stan is less concerned about his head than with the location of Cynthia’s bathroom.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 23, 2025
His security guard said he suffered back injuries as well as lacerations and contusions.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025
Porzingis also missed time this season with a variety of other issues — inflammation and contusions in his right knee, right hamstring problems, a sprained left ankle and back soreness.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 29, 2024
There were contusions on his face, but he was conscious.
From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben
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.
