convulse

verb

con·​vulse kən-ˈvəls 

convulsed; convulsing

transitive verb

: to shake or agitate violently

especially : to shake with or as if with irregular spasms

was convulsed with laughter

intransitive verb

: to become affected with convulsions

Synonyms of convulse

• shake
• shudder
• vibrate
• jerk
• tremble
• quiver

Choose the Right Synonym for convulse

shake, agitate, rock, convulse mean to move up and down or to and fro with some violence.

shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

Examples of convulse in a Sentence

The patient reacted to the medication and began convulsing.

The country was convulsed by war.

Recent Examples on the Web

After Algeria was convulsed by nationwide protests in 2019, the government became concerned about broader social unrest and promised economic aid. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

Now, as Venezuela’s political order convulses after the capture of strongman Nicolás Maduro and Washington ramps up pressure on Havana, that scaffolding is starting to buckle under pressure. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026

After Algeria was convulsed by nationwide protests in 2019, the government became concerned about broader social unrest and promised economic aid. —Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026

Soltani’s precarious fate became one of the most high profile cases internationally during the huge anti-government protests that convulsed Iran last month. —Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin convulsus, past participle of convellere to pluck up, convulse, from com- + vellere to pluck — more at vulnerable

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for convulse

• repulse
• dulce
• pulse

Kids Definition

convulse

verb

con·​vulse kən-ˈvəls 

convulsed; convulsing

: to shake violently

especially : to shake with usually uncontrolled jerky movements

convulsed with laughter

Medical Definition

convulse

verb

con·​vulse kən-ˈvəls 

convulsed; convulsing

transitive verb

: to shake or agitate violently

especially : to shake or cause to shake with or as if with irregular spasms

was convulsed with pain

intransitive verb

: to become affected with convulsions

some children will inevitably convulse when fever reaches a high point

—H. R. Litchfield & L. H. Dembo