contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən 

-ˈtyü-

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a

contuse

kən-ˈtüz 

-ˈtyüz

transitive verb

Synonyms of contusion

• bruise

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg.

suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident

Recent Examples on the Web

Kansas City Royals outfielder Isaac Collins left Tuesday evening’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park with a right knee contusion. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026

Heat guard Pelle Larsson was initially listed as questionable on the injury report due to a right lower leg contusion, but he has been upgraded to available. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026

After missing nine consecutive games with a right ankle contusion, antsy watching the Lakers’ season nosedive into a new reality, Smart appeared in the final two games of the regular season. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026

Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion and missed the second half of Monday's 115-102 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. —ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion
• infusion

Kids Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tus·​ion

kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən

: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz

verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən 

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz 

transitive verb

contused; contusing