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 of contusion

• 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

Starting center Deandre Ayton left the game early after suffering a right knee contusion in a collision with Jazz rookie Ace Bailey. —Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Starting center Deandre Ayton (two points and three rebounds in 14 minutes) didn’t play in the second half and was ruled out of the game during the third quarter because of a right knee contusion. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025

Of the 40 officers hospitalized, 36 had contusions, cuts and minor injuries, and four are receiving specialized care for trauma and other injuries that are not life-threatening. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

The only change, with Zach LaVine back in the starting lineup after missing Wednesday’s loss with a thigh contusion, was Schroder being moved to the bench for the first time as a King. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 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