concussion

noun

con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkə-shən 

1

a

: 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.

concussive

kən-ˈkə-siv 

adjective

Synonyms of concussion

• collision
• shock
• crash

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

New research suggests concussions can quietly shut down the brain’s control over testosterone, and the hormonal fallout often goes undiagnosed long after the headaches fade. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Because of injuries to Jaylon Moore (concussion) and Kingsley Suamataia (lower leg), the Chiefs finished the game with Joshua Ezeudu at tackle and Mike Caliendo at guard on the left side. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams missed the game dealing with several injuries, including a concussion. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Other possible injuries include concussions and damage to brain tissue caused by rapid movement within the skull. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing concussion

• concussion grenade

Rhymes for concussion

• discussion
• percussion
• belorussian
• repercussion
• byelorussian
• russian

Kids Definition

concussion

noun

con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkəsh-ən 

1

: a violent uneven motion

2

: a hard blow or collision

3

: bodily injury especially of the brain resulting from a sudden sharp jar (as from a blow)

concussive

-ˈkəs-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

concussion

noun

con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkəsh-ən 

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

concussive

-ˈkəs-iv 

adjective