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 of convulsion

• upheaval
• revolution
• unrest
• earthquake

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 cause symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026

High doses can cause convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, stroke or death. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

In 1602, she was afflicted by a slew of symptoms, such as convulsions, fits, and terrors. —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

But her vitals are strong and there’s startling force in her unpredictable convulsions and bone-chilling noises. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

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