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

In amphibians, chytridiomycosis causes a wide variety of symptoms including skin damage, red skin, convulsions, and eventually leads to heart failure. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Signs of infection include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss and paralysis. — Esther Launstein, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2026

But in some cases, West Nile can reach the brain and cause extreme headaches, meningitis, tremors, convulsions and paralysis. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026

The gas was highly toxic to the respiratory system, causing asphyxiation, convulsions, and, in severe cases, death. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 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