Convulsion: meaning, definitions and examples

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convulsion

[ kənˈvʌlʃən ]

^{Context #1}

medical

A sudden, violent, irregular movement of a limb or of the body, caused by involuntary contraction of muscles and associated especially with brain disorders such as epilepsy, the presence of certain toxins or other medical conditions.

Synonyms

fit, seizure, spasm

Examples of usage

The child experienced convulsions due to a high fever.
She suffered a convulsion as a result of the seizure.
The convulsions were a sign of the underlying neurological condition.

^{Context #2}

general

A sudden, violent upheaval or disturbance, especially a social or political one.

Synonyms

disorder, turmoil, upheaval

Examples of usage

The country went through convulsions during the revolution.
The region was in convulsion as a result of the war.

Translations

Translations of the word "convulsion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 convulsão

🇮🇳 ऐंठन

🇩🇪 Krämpfe

🇮🇩 kejang

🇺🇦 судома

🇵🇱 konwulsja

🇯🇵 痙攣 (keiren)

🇫🇷 convulsion

🇪🇸 convulsión

🇹🇷 kasılma

🇰🇷 경련 (gyeongnyeon)

🇸🇦 تشنج

🇨🇿 křeč

🇸🇰 kŕč

🇨🇳 痉挛 (jìngluán)

🇸🇮 konvulzija

🇮🇸 krampi

🇰🇿 құрысулар

🇬🇪 კრუნჩხვა

🇦🇿 qıcolma

🇲🇽 convulsión

Word origin

The word 'convulsion' originated from the Latin word 'convulsio' which means a shaking or a violent movement. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe both medical and general contexts of sudden, violent movements or disturbances. Over the centuries, 'convulsion' has been associated with various neurological conditions, seizures, as well as social and political upheavals.