contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən 

-ˈtyü-

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a

contuse

kən-ˈtüz 

-ˈtyüz

transitive verb

Synonyms of contusion

• bruise

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg.

suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the report, a CT scan of Frehley’s head revealed multiple contusions, bone fractures to the back of his skull, hemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma (the type of bleeding that occurs in a person’s brain after a head injury). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis has missed the past two games after suffering a left ribcage contusion in Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025

Dru Smith is probable with a right knee contusion. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025

Green has a right rib contusion but is playing through it, perhaps in a bid to make his 11th All-Defensive Team this spring — players need to suit up for at least 65 healthy regular season contests (with some exceptions) to qualify for the honor. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Kids Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tus·​ion

kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən

: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz

verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən 

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz 

transitive verb

contused; contusing