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

Nearing Trump's 100th day in office, economy isn't getting better for most, with tariffs, stock market convulsions and high grocery bills. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025

This can lead to deafness, convulsions or intellectual disabilities. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability. —Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025

Israel, which occupies huge swathes of southern Syria, will promote endless civil war for its own interests, keeping Syria in convulsions indefinitely. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 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