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

• 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

Her body also showed multiple contusions, according to investigators. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Phillip Reeder had blunt force injuries, specifically abrasions and contusions on his body, as a result of being restrained and following attempts to resuscitate him at St. Vincent’s East Emergency Department, according to Dye. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025

Three errors and a left wrist contusion to first baseman Freddie Freeman were just the latest issues as the Dodgers dropped yet another game to the Milwaukee Brewers, this one 6-5 on Sunday afternoon. —Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 20 July 2025

Tovar was a victim of fate, missing 63 games because of injuries — first a left hip contusion early in the season, followed by a left oblique strain. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 July 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