convulsion

noun

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

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.
This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability. Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025 Israel, which occupies huge swathes of southern Syria, will promote endless civil war for its own interests, keeping Syria in convulsions indefinitely. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2025 Before the family was removed from the U.S., the girl was routinely checking in with doctors monitoring her recovery, attending rehabilitation therapies and taking medication to prevent convulsions. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025 Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

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