contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən 

-ˈtyü-

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a

contuse

kən-ˈtüz 

-ˈtyüz

transitive verb

Synonyms

• bruise

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg.

suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident

Recent Examples on the Web

Brown didn’t return in the Clippers’ 95-92 win at Cox Pavilion on Friday night after sustaining what the team described as a right ankle contusion. —Broderick Turner follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025

Brown limped to the locker room a few minutes later and did not return with what team officials told reporters was a right ankle contusion. —Staff, Oc Register, 12 July 2025

Wilson nearly ready for return A’s rookie superstar Jacob Wilson, who left Tuesday’s game with a left hand contusion and missed the following three contests, took on-field batting practice before Friday’s game and should be ready to return to the lineup this weekend, according to Kotsay. —Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025

Wilson left the game immediately, but X-rays showed no fracture, just a contusion. —David O'Brien, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Kids Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tus·​ion

kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən

: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz

verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən 

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz 

transitive verb

contused; contusing