convulsion

[ kuh n-vuhl-shuh n ]
/ kənˈvʌl ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR convulsion ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the extremities, trunk, and head.
violent agitation or disturbance; commotion.
an outburst of great, uncontrollable laughter.

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Origin of convulsion

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

Words nearby convulsion

convolvulaceous, convolvulus, convoy, convulsant, convulse, convulsion, convulsionary, convulsive, convulsive disorder, conway, conwy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to convulsion

tremor, cramp, contraction, seizure, paroxysm, cataclysm, turbulence, agitation, upheaval, tumult, attack, contortion, fit, throe, epilepsy, seism, disaster, shock, commotion, upturn

Example sentences from the Web for convulsion

British Dictionary definitions for convulsion

convulsion
/ (kənˈvʌlʃən) /

noun

a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles
a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one
(usually plural) informal uncontrollable laughterI was in convulsions

Derived forms of convulsion

convulsionary, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for convulsion

convulsion
[ kən-vŭl′shən ]

n.

An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction or a series of such contractions.seizure
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Cultural definitions for convulsion

convulsion

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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.