convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
1
a
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
2
a
: a violent disturbance
b
: an uncontrolled fit : paroxysm
convulsionary adjective

Examples of convulsion in a Sentence

the Russian Revolution was one of the major convulsions of the 20th century
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 Common symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 July 2025 Latin American nations, for all their political convulsions and repressive periods, have a rich history of social movements grounded in collective ideals. Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025 The stock market’s convulsions in reaction to the trade measures are poised to make matters worse, leaving collectors with smaller art budgets. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for convulsion

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of convulsion was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

convulsion

noun
con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
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 How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
1
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
often used in plural
a patient suffering from convulsions
2

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

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