convulsion

noun con·vul·sion \ kən-ˈvəl-shən \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Examples: convulsion in a Sentence

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

Severe lead poisoning can lead to coma, convulsions and death, according to the World Health Organization.

— lauryn schroeder, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Does your school have lead in its drinking water?," 5 July 2018
But without its attachment to precedent, to gradual change, to evolution rather than revolution, chaos and convulsion would make any justice unsustainable.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Anthony Kennedy and the Death of True American Conservatism," 29 June 2018
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that in high doses can elevate body temperature and cause convulsions and cardiovascular collapse, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

— molly sullivan, sacbee, "Meth overdose caused death of man in Sacramento police custody, autopsy finds," 21 June 2018
The Mahdi Army was blamed for death squads that committed reprisals on Sunnis during the country’s worst sectarian convulsions in 2006 and 2007.

— New York Times, "Iraqi Voters Strengthen Hand of Militia Leader Who Battled U.S.," 14 May 2018
Cyclosporine A has some severe side effects, including convulsions and diarrhea, yet some patients have experienced something quite unusual: unwanted hair growth.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Side effects include ... a potential treatment for baldness," 9 May 2018
Symptoms of heat stroke include high fever; dry, red skin; rapid and weak pulse and breathing; convulsions; and delirium.

— scott dance, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland health officials report first heat-related death of summer, a Prince George's County man," 20 June 2018
Common reactions to the stings include headache, fever, nausea and convulsions.

— dan wine, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Florida boy's frightening brush with venomous caterpillar lands him in ER," 20 June 2018
Persistent convulsions and personality changes have happened to some people, the CDC says, and some patients have experienced a reactivation of the virus months and even years after they were exposed.

— korin miller, SELF, "What to Know About the Rare and Deadly Nipah Virus," 29 May 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

convulsion Synonyms

Synonyms

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

fit, seizure, spasm;

eruption, flare-up, outbreak, outburst;

bluster, bobbery, bustle, coil, commotion, furor, furore, fuss, hubbub, hullabaloo, hurly-burly, pandemonium, rout, row, ruckus, ruction, rumpus, shindy, squall, stew, stir, to-do, turmoil, welter, williwaw;

quaking, rocking, shaking, trembling;

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.