contusion

[kuhn-too-zhuhn, -tyoo-]

noun

1. an injury, as from a blow with a blunt instrument, in which the subsurface tissue is injured but the skin is not broken; bruise.

contusion

/ kənˈtjuːʒən /

noun

1. an injury in which the skin is not broken; bruise

Other Word Forms

• contusioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contusion¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin contūsiōn-, stem of contūsiō; equivalent to contuse + -ion

Example Sentences

Defense attorneys said Ramos-Brito sustained multiple contusions on his face, neck and back and had cuts and scrapes on his body from being dragged across the pavement later.

From Los Angeles Times

And as it stretched on through the summer — compounded by foot contusion on a foul ball he suffered in July — frustration began to mount.

From Los Angeles Times

His security guard said he suffered back injuries as well as lacerations and contusions.

From BBC

"He was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg," the statement from security guard Michael Ragusa adds.

From BBC

In an interview a week after his arrest, Martinez wore a brace on his right leg, where he’d suffered a contusion, and said he’d been bruised and scratched all over his body.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• swelling