Contusion: meaning, definitions and examples

A more formal medical term for a bruise, often used in clinical or professional settings to describe injuries with a broader or more severe impact under the skin.

• The athlete suffered a severe contusion to his thigh.
• The doctor diagnosed her with a contusion after the car accident.

A common term used in everyday language to describe a minor injury on the skin causing discoloration without a break in the skin. Often used in casual or medical contexts.

• She got a bruise on her arm after bumping into the door.
• The soccer player had several bruises after the match.

A more serious medical condition involving a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically forming a lump under the skin. Used in medical contexts to describe deeper or more severe injuries.

• The surgeon had to drain a large hematoma from his leg.
• A hematoma developed at the site of the injection.

A medical term used to describe a large, flat bruise, usually with more severe skin discoloration. Often used in clinical settings.

• The patient presented with ecchymosis around the eyes.
• After the fall, there was significant ecchymosis on her chest.

Medical or sports contexts to describe a bruise without a break in the skin.

• After the fall, the doctor diagnosed her with a contusion on her arm
• The athlete suffered a contusion but continued to play