convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
1
a
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
2
a
: a violent disturbance
b
: an uncontrolled fit : paroxysm
convulsionary adjective

Examples of convulsion in a Sentence

the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Widespread abuse can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes and death. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024 Abuse can lead to irregular heartbeat, ischemic heart conditions, sudden cardiac arrest, convulsions, strokes and death. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 25 Dec. 2024 Exposure to larger doses of the gas can cause loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, possibly leading to death, coma, convulsions, paralysis, respiratory failure, and seizures. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 Then there's Willem Dafoe as the eccentric Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz, who is enlisted to treat Ellen during her convulsions. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convulsion 

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of convulsion was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near convulsion

Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

convulsion

noun
con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
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 How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
1
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
often used in plural
a patient suffering from convulsions
2

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

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