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 star played Game 1 after being listed as probable with a right hip contusion. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026

However, the lawsuit states the autopsy report omitted references to physical injuries on her body, such as bruising and contusions. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Estévez has been sidelined with a left foot contusion. —Jaylon Thompson may 6, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026

He was hospitalized and suffered a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg, a spokesperson for Giuliani said at the time. —Los Angeles Times, 4 May 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