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concussion

noun
con·​cus·​sion | \ kən-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce concussion (audio) \

Definition of concussion

1a : a stunning, damaging, or shattering effect from a hard blow especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function The football player suffered a concussion.
b : a hard blow or collision
2 : agitation, shaking The concussion from the explosion was felt 12 miles away.
Other Words from concussion Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about concussion

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Other Words from concussion

concussive \ kən-​ˈkə-​siv How to pronounce concussive (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for concussion

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things. impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other. the glass shattered on impact with the floor collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded. the collision damaged the vehicle shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force. the shock of falling rocks concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow. bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of concussion in a Sentence

She suffered a severe concussion after falling on the ice. He went to hospital with concussion.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Toronto center Nazem Kadri left the game with a concussion after the first period. — Joe Harris, The Seattle Times, "O’Reilly’s overtime goal lifts Blues past Maple Leafs 3-2," 19 Feb. 2019 Lewis said Monday that McRae had a concussion but no spinal injury. — Joe Kay, The Seattle Times, "Bengals’ Andy Dalton out for season with thumb injury," 27 Nov. 2018 Sharon and Andy ended up colliding and crashing to the ground; both were left with head and back injuries while Andy was left with a concussion. — Lauren Matthews, Country Living, "Middle-Aged Couple Attempts the 'Dirty Dancing' Move, Ends Up Hospitalized," 14 July 2017 People usually get concussions from a blow to the head, the Mayo Clinic explains. — Korin Miller, SELF, "‘The Good Place’ Star Jameela Jamil Says She Developed Seizures After Trying to Eat a Cookie Off the Floor," 2 Oct. 2018 Goff had to leave the game to be examined for a concussion though Sherman didn’t seem to have much sympathy. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Introducing, the top 5 Thursday Night Football moments in the Pete Carroll era of Seahawks history," 14 Nov. 2018 Hale was treated for a concussion and a three-inch gash on his right ear. — Nanette Asimov, San Francisco Chronicle, "Cal scrapped probe of football program promised after 2014 death of player," 31 May 2018 Gathers had an impressive training camp and preseason before sustaining a concussion during practice. — Drew Davison, star-telegram, "5 things we learned from Dallas Cowboys OTAs," 30 May 2018 The Penguins didn’t say what Dumoulin’s injury is, but when a player is struck in the head, he usually is checked for a concussion. — Kevin Allen, USA TODAY, "Penguins have plenty to be mad about in Game 2 loss to Capitals," 29 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'concussion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of concussion

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for concussion

Middle English concussioun, from Latin concussion-, concussio, from concutere to shake violently, from com- + quatere to shake

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Last Updated

14 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for concussion

The first known use of concussion was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for concussion

concussion

noun
How to pronounce concussion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of concussion

: an injury to the brain that is caused by something hitting the head very hard

See the full definition for concussion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

concussion

noun
con·​cus·​sion | \ kən-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce concussion (audio) \

Kids Definition of concussion

: injury to the brain caused by a hard hit on the head

concussion

noun
con·​cus·​sion | \ kən-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce concussion (audio) \

Medical Definition of concussion

1 : a hard blow or collision
2 : a condition resulting from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function and sometimes marked by permanent damage

Other Words from concussion

concussive \ -​ˈkəs-​iv How to pronounce concussive (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with concussion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for concussion

Spanish Central: Translation of concussion

Nglish: Translation of concussion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of concussion for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concussion

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