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

He was sidelined for Game 1 because of a knee contusion suffered at practice. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Royals closer Carlos Estévez is sidelined with a left foot contusion. —Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

Durant, who returned to the court after missing Game 1 with a right knee contusion, had just three points and five turnovers after halftime as the Lakers frustrated him with relentless double-teams at the top of the key and complicated zones that took away his passing lanes. —Dan Woike, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Kevin Durant missed Game 1 with a knee contusion. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

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