concussion

[ kuhn-kuhsh-uhn ]

noun

1. Pathology. injury to the brain or spinal cord due to jarring from a blow, fall, or the like.
2. shock caused by the impact of a collision, blow, etc.
3. the act of violently shaking or jarring.

concussion

/ kənˈkʌʃən /

noun

1. a jarring of the brain, caused by a blow or a fall, usually resulting in loss of consciousness
2. any violent shaking; jarring

concussion

/ kən-kŭsh′ən /

1. An injury to a soft structure, especially the brain, produced by a violent blow or impact and followed by a temporary, sometimes prolonged, loss of function. A concussion of the brain results in transient loss of consciousness or memory.

Derived Forms

• conˈcussive, adjective

Other Words From

• con·cussion·al con·cus·sant [k, uh, n-, kuhs, -, uh, nt], adjective
• con·cussive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of concussion¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin concussiōn-, stem of concussiō “a shaking,” also “earthquake, extortion”; equivalent to concuss + -ion

Example Sentences

At first blush, hockey and Harvard appear to go together about as well as a concussion and a Nobel Prize.

From Los Angeles Times

Some were struggling under the concussions of wildfires and drought.

From Salon

The Dolphins had lost six of their last seven games, their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was under scrutiny for multiple concussions, and speedy receiver Tyreek Hill was playing with a torn wrist.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Dodgers headed to the airport for their flight to New York, Cey went to Centinela Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.

From Los Angeles Times

Forward Chloe Kelly has fallen out of favour at Manchester City, while England captain Williamson has struggled for regular game time, dealing with concussion.

From BBC

Related Words

• bump
• injury
• shock
• trauma