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

Fox returned from a three-game absence due to a glute contusion Jan. 12 and scored 26 and 20 points in his first two games back against the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. —Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2025

Otherwise, the Heat got little more that 12 points apiece from Nikola Jovic and Haywood Highsmith, 11 points from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 10 points from Bam Adebayo in his return after missing Monday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers due to a back contusion. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025

Cameron Johnson is expected to miss three games, D’Angelo Russell is dealing with a shin contusion, and professional hucker and chucker Cam Thomas is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury. —Stan Son, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

Harris won’t be available for a second straight contest due to a left hamstring strain, while Black (low back contusion) is questionable. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 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

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