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.
Smart was nursing a right ankle contusion that kept him out of nine games.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
He was questionable against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 26 with a quad contusion.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 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
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
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.
