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

For now, the goal is getting back to his best version, the version that was an All-Star last season, before the ankle surgery, toe contusion and back issue got in the way. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

The team will have a difficult time manufacturing offense against contenders and playoff hopefuls without its core, including Marshall, who’s missed the last two games with a finger contusion on his right hand. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

Center fielder Harrison Bader, who exited Friday’s game after one at-bat with a right thumb contusion, won’t hit until Monday. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2026

Westbrook is out with a right thigh contusion. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 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