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

The forward had already missed a game due to a left bone contusion; now his hamstring is flaring up. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

Others have complained of breaks, tears, contusions, and concussions. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025

Reaves also had 11 rebounds, nine assists and a pair of steals, just missing a 50-point triple-double hours after the Lakers ruled out Doncic with a left finger sprain and a left lower leg contusion that will sideline him for approximately a week before being reevaluated. —Khobi Price, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025

In addition, Tre Mann is questionable with a jaw contusion. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 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