convulsive

con·vul·sive

adj \kən-ˈvəl-siv\

Definition of CONVULSIVE

1

a : constituting or producing a convulsion b : caused by or affected with convulsions

2

: resembling a convulsion in being violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic <convulsive laughter>

— con·vul·sive·ly adverb

— con·vul·sive·ness noun

Examples of CONVULSIVE

1. <the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s>
2. <after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points>

First Known Use of CONVULSIVE

1615

Related to CONVULSIVE

Synonyms: cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), stormy, tempestuous, tumultuous, turbulent

Antonyms: nonviolent, peaceable, peaceful

Related Words: fitful, spasmodic, sporadic; boisterous, clamorous, furious, noisy, riotous

Near Antonyms: calm, peaceful, placid, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at fitful

Rhymes with CONVULSIVE

compulsive, expulsive, impulsive, propulsive, repulsive, revulsive