convulsive

[ kuhn-vuhl-siv ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or characterized by convulsions or spasms.

   Synonyms: spasmodic

2. producing or accompanied by convulsion:

   convulsive rage.

Other Words From

• con·vulsive·ly adverb
• con·vulsive·ness noun
• postcon·vulsive adjective
• uncon·vulsive adjective
• uncon·vulsive·ly adverb
• uncon·vulsive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of convulsive¹

From the Latin word convulsīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See convulse, -ive

Example Sentences

That’s why the medical establishment has lined up in support of Chevron, explaining that its demise would mark a “tremendous disruption” for patients and providers; just rinse and repeat for every other area of law to see the convulsive disruptions on the horizon.

From Slate

“Overruling Chevron,” Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar wrote in a Supreme Court brief defending the doctrine, “would be a convulsive shock to the legal system.”

From New York Times

Defending the rulings that upheld the fees, the Biden administration said that overturning the Chevron decision would produce a “convulsive shock” to the legal system.

From Seattle Times

Continuous monitoring of child deaths and improvements in health records to track how often these convulsive seizures precede death, he explains, will be needed for this to be confirmed.

From Science Daily

The third anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack comes during the most convulsive period in American politics in at least a generation, with Congress barely able to keep up with the basics of governing, and the start of the presidential nominating contests just over a week away.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• agitated
• crazy
• distraught
• emotional
• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• impassioned
• mad
• nervous
• neurotic
• overwrought
• passionate
• uncontrollable
• vehement
• violent