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

Naroditsky also had clusters of contusions on both thighs that were in various stages of healing, according to the report. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Mitchell, who missed the last two games with a left shoulder contusion, was back in the Heat’s starting lineup on Monday. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who suffered a left knee contusion eight days ago, has returned to Los Angeles for treatment and will miss the next two games, the team said Sunday. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026

Herro stays back Guard Tyler Herro, who missed Saturday’s game with a rib contusion, did not travel with the team Sunday. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 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