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.

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

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 laughter I was in convulsions

Derived forms of convulsion

convulsionary, adjective

Medical definitions for convulsion

convulsion
[ kən-vŭl′shən ]

n.

An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction or a series of such contractions. seizure

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.