convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

a

: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

b

: seizure sense 2a

2

a

: a violent disturbance

b

: an uncontrolled fit : paroxysm

convulsionary

kən-ˈvəl-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bouleversement
• cataclysm
• earthquake
• paroxysm
• storm
• tempest
• tumult
• upheaval
• uproar

Examples of convulsion in a Sentence

the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century

Recent Examples on the Web

Listeriosis can result in fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025

About 1 in 1,000 also suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025

Around 1 in 1,000 children who contract measles develop encephalitis, or brain inflammation, that can lead to deafness, convulsions or intellectual disabilities. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

Mild cases can include muscle aches, tiredness and vomiting and diarrhea, while more severe symptoms may include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. —CBS News, 13 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for convulsion

• avulsion
• compulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• propulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: an abnormal violent contraction or series of contractions of the muscles that is not under control of the will

2

: a violent disturbance

Medical Definition

convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən 

1

: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles

—often used in plural

a patient suffering from convulsions

2

: seizure sense 1