plural convulsions
1
a
medical
: a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control
—usually plural
The patient suffers from convulsions.
He suddenly went into convulsions.
b
: a sudden experience of something (such as laughter) that shakes or moves your body
—usually plural
The joke sent the audience into convulsions of laughter.
2
: a sudden change or disturbance that affects a country, organization, etc.
—usually plural
an era of political convulsions [=upheavals]
The controversial exhibit caused convulsions in the artistic community.
Cite this Entry
“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/convulsion. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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