convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
Synonyms of convulsionnext
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 How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of convulsion

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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.
Thierry Wizman, global FX and rates strategist at Macquarie Group, argued in a note Tuesday that a series of convulsions would have to occur for France to get its act together and appease the bond market. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 The invasive form can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, balance loss and convulsions. — Eva Flowe october 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Since the late nineteenth century, raw white-lead was known to pose a substantial health risk to those exposed to it, prompting symptoms such as swelling of the brain, epileptic convulsions, paralysis, severe colic, and death. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 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 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

Rhymes for convulsion

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Browse Nearby Words

convulsedly
convulsion
convulsionary
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Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
: seizure sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convulsion

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