convulsion

[kuhn-vuhl-shuhn]

noun

1. contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the extremities, trunk, and head.

2. violent agitation or disturbance; commotion.

3. an outburst of great, uncontrollable laughter.

convulsion

/ kənˈvʌlʃən /

noun

1. a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles

2. a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one

3. informal,  (usually plural) uncontrollable laughter

   I was in convulsions

convulsion

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• convulsionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convulsion¹

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

Example Sentences

Exposure to the chemical can also cause humans to experience respiratory distress, muscle weakness and convulsions.

From Los Angeles Times

Their son Jonathan Reynolds said their health was rapidly deteriorating, with his father suffering serious convulsions and his mother "numb" from anaemia and malnutrition.

From BBC

The sudden convulsions look like the beginning of a seizure.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite suffering from a convulsion hours before the final.

From BBC

Admitted to the hospital under O’Sullivan’s care, the young woman experienced convulsions, fainting spells, and dizziness so severe that she required the help of two people if she got out of bed.

From Salon

Related Words

• contraction 
• cramp 
• paroxysm 
• seizure 
• tremor