convulsion

noun

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

Synonyms

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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.
Researchers found the drug often leaves users immobile and unresponsive and can cause intense emotional reactions, euphoria, convulsions, and vomiting. — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Mar. 2025 Serious health complications are possible, especially in children younger than 5, such as pneumonia — the most common cause of death from measles in young children — and swelling of the brain, which can trigger convulsions and lead to deafness or intellectual disability. — Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Encephalitis may lead to convulsions and can cause deafness or leave a child with a lifelong intellectual disability, health officials warn. — Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025 Among children with measles, about 1 in every 20 develops pneumonia, the CDC said, and about one in every 1,000 suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis — which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability. — Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025 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

Rhymes for convulsion

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Browse Nearby Words

convulsion
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Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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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
: seizure sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

Nglish: Translation of convulsion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convulsion

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