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

Listed as questionable with a right wrist contusion, Ball scored 13 of Minnesota's first 17 points. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Heat listed forward Myron Gardner as questionable for Wednesday’s contest in Los Angeles due to a right quad contusion. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Myron Gardner is listed as questionable with a right quad contusion. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Estévez suffered a left-foot contusion after being struck by a line drive during a game against the Atlanta Braves. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 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