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

• 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

Meanwhile, Lucas Erceg is limited due to a left foot contusion. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025

And while Tyler Herro is on the injury report with a tight contusion, he is listed as probable. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2025

The hamstring injury has sidelined him the previous five games after missing time earlier with a sprained ankle, a lower-leg contusion and a stomach illness. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025

Schröder has posted a 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio dating back to the first time Cunningham missed time with his calf contusion. —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 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