convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

a

: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

b

: seizure sense 2a

2

a

: a violent disturbance

b

: an uncontrolled fit : paroxysm

convulsionary

kən-ˈvəl-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bouleversement
• cataclysm
• earthquake
• paroxysm
• storm
• tempest
• tumult
• upheaval
• uproar

Examples of convulsion in a Sentence

the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century

Recent Examples on the Web

If a more severe form develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, the FDA says. —CBS News, 22 Feb. 2025

Symptoms may include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025

However, in more severe cases, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, per an FDA info page. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Its severest consequences include pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for convulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• propulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: an abnormal violent contraction or series of contractions of the muscles that is not under control of the will

2

: a violent disturbance

Medical Definition

convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

—often used in plural

a patient suffering from convulsions

2

: seizure sense 1