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

Then, a calf contusion delayed the start to his rookie season. —Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

Green, meanwhile, is listed as out with a low back contusion. – The Warriors play the Suns at 5 p.m. at the Chase Center on Saturday; Curry and Green are likely to return then for the quick turnaround. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

Dorian Finney-Smith was ruled out before tipoff because of a left calf contusion. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024

The Bills announced it as a right elbow contusion and that Allen was cleared to return. —Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024

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

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