Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

contusion

noun
Save Word
con·​tu·​sion | \ kən-ˈtü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio) , -ˈtyü- \

Definition of contusion

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a
Other Words from contusion Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about contusion

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from contusion

contuse \ kən-​ˈtüz How to pronounce contuse (audio) , -​ˈtyüz \ transitive verb

Synonyms for contusion

Synonyms

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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 Without Love for the first time this season because of a lower back contusion, the Cavs looked discombobulated. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "Cleveland Cavaliers get unfriendly reminder of Kevin Love’s importance in 123-105 blowout loss to New York Knicks," 19 Nov. 2019 After making a pair of free throws, Middleton checked out of the game and did not return due to a left thigh contusion. — Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks 121, Thunder 119: Milwaukee holds on to finish the job," 10 Nov. 2019 Carter-Williams sustained a left hip contusion during Wednesday’s win over the New York Knicks. — Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, "Magic guard Michael Carter-Williams will not play tonight against Bucks," 31 Oct. 2019 The Marlins called the injury a contusion and Mattingly said after the game that an X-ray was negative. — David Brandt, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Rojas has 6 RBIs, Marlins power past D-backs 12-6," 17 Sep. 2019 The girl sustained a fractured skull, subdural bleeding, brain contusions and a brain edema, according to her family's attorney. — Jill Martin, CNN, "Houston Astros to replace and extend netting at Minute Maid Park," 8 Aug. 2019 The 16-year-old suffered loss of hair, a contusion and blacked out after being slammed to the ground then suffered puncture marks from the dog bites. — Christopher Harress | Charress@al.com, al.com, "Racial harassment, violence, dog attack alleged in $25 million Mobile mall lawsuit," 1 July 2019 According to the lawsuit, Barbee suffered spine and rib fractures, a traumatic brain injury, lung contusions and several other physical and cognitive injuries from the crash. — oregonlive.com, "Former Tigard cop injured in crash sues driver, driver’s ex-employer for $23.6 million," 28 June 2019 Rashes were dermatitis and bruises were contusions. — Alyson Pomerantz, Longreads, "Anaphylaxis of the Mind," 3 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contusion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of contusion

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for contusion

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about contusion

Time Traveler for contusion

Time Traveler

The first known use of contusion was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Statistics for contusion

Last Updated

27 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Contusion.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contusion. Accessed 8 December 2019.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for contusion

contusion

noun
How to pronounce contusion (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of contusion

medical : an injury that usually does not break the skin

See the full definition for contusion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

contusion

noun
con·​tu·​sion | \ kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio) \

Medical Definition of contusion

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1

Other Words from contusion

contuse \ -​ˈt(y)üz How to pronounce contuse (audio) \ transitive verb contused; contusing

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on contusion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contusion

Spanish Central: Translation of contusion

Nglish: Translation of contusion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of contusion for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contusion

Comments on contusion

What made you want to look up contusion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

circumscribe

Listen to the pronounciation of circumscribe

to constrict the range or activity of

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Semantic Drift Quiz

  • a twisty river
  • Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games