convulsion

[ kuhn-vuhl-shuhn ]

/ kənˈvʌl ʃən /

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See synonyms for: convulsion / convulsions 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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use convulsion in a sentence

Far too much of the Internet is currently experiencing morality-induced convulsions over “mamading.”
The Internet’s Latest Pearl-Clutching Panic Over Mamading Is Insane|Emily Shire|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Knocked cold, Lakpa collapsed on the rocks, heaving in convulsions, Kodas wrote.
Breaking Mount Everest’s Glass Ceiling|Amanda Padoan, Peter Zuckerman|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Symptoms may range from palpitations and severe sweating to paralysis, convulsions, and death.
Sarin, Nitrogen Mustard, Cyanide & More: All About Chemical Weapons|Kent Sepkowitz|August 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In larger amounts, the exposure can cause convulsions, paralysis, breathing difficulty and, within a short time, death.
Bashar the Terrible|Justin Green|April 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST

It will suffer other upsets and reversals, and pass through other convulsions.
Bernard-Henri Lévy on Susan Rice’s Role in the Libyan War for Justice|Bernard-Henri Lévy|December 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
No one would listen to him but old Monsieur Farival, who went into convulsions over the droll story.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
He came close to having convulsions when a squad car passed on the next street west, its siren wailing.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
A feeling of tranquil joy always comes over me during such great convulsions of Nature.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer
It is otherwise with the people who dwell upon the land over which these atmospheric convulsions sweep.
Outlines of the Earth's History|Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
“You are very complimentary,” said Katie, with a glance at her cousin, which threw that young lady into silent convulsions.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne

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

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.

convulsion

Origin of convulsion

Words related to convulsion

How to use convulsion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for convulsion

Derived forms of convulsion

Cultural definitions for convulsion