convulsion

noun con·vul·sion \ kən-ˈvəl-shən \

Definition of convulsion

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

b :seizure 2a

2 a :a violent disturbance

b :an uncontrolled fit :paroxysm

—

convulsionary

play \kən-ˈvəl-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

See convulsion defined for English-language learners

See convulsion defined for kids

Examples of convulsion in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of convulsion from the Web

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes any kind of seizure, from convulsions to staring to confused behavior.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "More patients cope with diagnosis of epilepsy," 30 Aug. 2017
In the midst of our current convulsions, Lippmann has returned as an object of disdain.

— franklin foer, The Atlantic, "Why Liberalism Disappoints," 8 Aug. 2017
Severe poisoning may lead to high fever, convulsions or even death.

— bill sherwonit, Alaska Dispatch News, "Tips for distinguishing ‘true’ from ‘false’ morels," 5 Aug. 2017
Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

— bill laitner, Detroit Free Press, "Slapping bugs isn't enough — West Nile virus found in metro Detroit mosquitoes," 1 Aug. 2017
The benchmark U.S. technology index posted a sudden drop Thursday during a convulsion of selling that followed an ominous note from a JPMorgan Chase & Co. derivatives strategist who said the market’s volatility drought could presage protracted pain.

— maria valero, Bloomberg.com, "Record Tech Valuations Reach Emerging Markets and Investors Are Getting Nervous," 28 July 2017
Partner Kristen Vasilakos has, to a certain extent, the ability to calm his spasticity, and they dance, in intervals, until Vasquez again reverts to his convulsions and tremors.

— lauren warnecke, chicagotribune.com, "'New Dances,' the end of the beginning, is final performance for Thodos Dance," 16 July 2017
Lead, a heavy metal that is particularly dangerous to infants and small children, can cause convulsions, coma and death when absorbed in high doses.

— cleveland.com, "Cleveland, Cuyahoga County receive federal money for lead clean up," 28 June 2017
If symptoms worsen to include nausea, vomiting, perspiration, convulsions, or weakening pulse, seek medical attention because reactions this severe can lead to death.

— angel biasatti, star-telegram.com, "Beware of summertime bites and stings," 27 June 2017

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

First Known Use of convulsion

1547

convulsion Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

CONVULSION Defined for English Language Learners

convulsion

noun

Definition of convulsion for English Language Learners

medical : a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control
: a sudden experience of something (such as laughter) that shakes or moves your body
: a sudden change or disturbance that affects a country, organization, etc.