convulsion

[ kuhn-vuhl-shuhn ]

noun

1. contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contractions of the extremities, trunk, and head.
2. violent agitation or disturbance; commotion.
3. an outburst of great, uncontrollable laughter.

convulsion

/ kənˈvʌlʃən /

noun

1. a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles
2. a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp a social one
3. informal.
   usually plural uncontrollable laughter

   I was in convulsions

convulsion

1. A severe, often violent involuntary contraction of the muscles. Convulsions may be caused by high fevers or poisoning and often accompany such diseases such as epilepsy .

Derived Forms

• conˈvulsionary, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convulsion¹

First recorded in 1575–85, convulsion is from the Latin word convulsiōn- (stem of convulsiō ). See convulse, -ion

Example Sentences

For a month, we watched the “hanging chad” convulsions of the Florida recount and related court cases until a highly controversial 5-4 Supreme Court decision allowed Bush to win Florida and the presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

The 23-year-old, from South Normanton, suffered convulsions on the driveway of the property after attempting to swallow the package of white powder.

From BBC

About 1 in 150 people will experience more severe symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis, according to the World Health Organization.

From Los Angeles Times

For Democrats anxious about a close election, Ms. Maddow and Mr. Stewart represent a particular kind of comfort: seasoned partisan warriors who have led viewers through past convulsions in the political arena.

From New York Times

The shock of the break sent the beanstalk into brutal convulsions, shaking Jack right off the plant.

From Literature

Related Words

• agitation
• cataclysm
• tumult
• turbulence
• upheaval