convulsion

noun

con·​vul·​sion kən-ˈvəl-shən How to pronounce convulsion (audio)
1
a
: an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions of the muscles
2
a
: a violent disturbance
b
: an uncontrolled fit : paroxysm
convulsionary adjective

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.
For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Serious infections may lead to headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 About 1 in 1,000 also suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 26 Apr. 2025 Before the family was removed from the United States, the girl was routinely checking in with doctors monitoring her recovery, attending rehabilitation therapy sessions and taking medication to prevent convulsions. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convulsion. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on convulsion

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