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

Clowney missed five games with a lower back sprain that developed over time, while Williams sat three with a left calf contusion after trying to play through it. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026

Russell Westbrook, who has missed the past three games with a right foot contusion, will be available against the Grizzlies. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026

Guard Brandon Williams, who also left Saturday’s game early, was listed as questionable on the injury report with a right lower leg contusion. —Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 2 Feb. 2026

Herro missed the first 17 games of the season due to offseason ankle surgery, 13 games because of a toe contusion and now nine games because of a rib contusion. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 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