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 man who was riding an electric scooter sustained serious injuries to his left foot and a large contusion on his left calf. —Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025

Bones Hyland is questionable with a right knee contusion. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 Dec. 2025

Curry, who is off the injury report and set to return Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing the last five games with a quad contusion, was asked several questions relating to the 23-year-old Kuminga. —Nick Friedell, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025

The Heat played without Tyler Herro (right big toe contusion), Davion Mitchell (right groin tightness) and Pelle Larsson (right hip flexor tightness). —CBS News, 6 Dec. 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