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

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

These seizures are sometimes called benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and rotavirus is a common cause of these symptoms. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Oct. 2024

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. —Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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