Convulsively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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convulsively
[kənˈvʌl.sɪv.li ]
Definition
physical response
Convulsively describes an action occurring in a sudden, violent, and uncontrollable manner, typically in relation to muscle contractions or spasms. It can refer to movements or responses that are erratic and may be associated with seizures or extreme emotional states. The term often conveys a sense of urgency or intensity in the way something is done. It is used to illustrate a body or emotional reaction that seems involuntary and is usually seen in distressing situations.
Synonyms
jerkily, spasmodically, uncontrollably.
Examples of usage
- She laughed convulsively at the joke.
- He shook convulsively in the cold.
- The patient moved convulsively during the seizure.
- The dog barked convulsively, frightened by the thunder.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medicine
- In medical contexts, convulsive actions can signify seizures caused by electrical disturbances in the brain.
- Certain conditions, like epilepsy, are often associated with convulsive movements.
- These movements can vary widely – some might be mild shakes, while others can be more intense.
Literature
- In literature, convulsive reactions are often used to convey intense emotions like fear, joy, or pain.
- Writers might describe characters as shaking convulsively to create dramatic tension or highlight their emotional state.
- Notable works, like 'Frankenstein', capture the essence of humans reacting convulsively, often reflecting their inner turmoil.
Psychology
- Studies show that strong emotional responses can manifest physically, sometimes resulting in convulsive-like reactions.
- People may experience convulsive laughter during moments of extreme joy or absurdity, creating a shared social bond.
- Understanding how emotions trigger physical reactions is a key aspect of psychological studies.
Pop Culture
- In films, characters often exhibit convulsive movements during moments of high suspense or horror, enhancing viewer tension.
- The iconic scene of someone laughing convulsively is frequently used in comedies to portray extreme amusement.
- Music videos sometimes depict dancers moving convulsively to symbolize emotional releases, emphasizing the art of movement.
Origin of 'convulsively'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Latin 'convulsio', meaning 'to shake violently'.
- The prefix 'con-' means 'together' or 'with', while 'vuls-' relates to pulling or tearing.
- The word entered English in the 17th century, reflecting medical language about muscle spasms.
The word 'convulsively' is derived from the English word 'convulse', which has its roots in the Latin 'convulsus', the past participle of 'convellere', meaning 'to pull, tear, or wrench away'. The Latin term is a combination of 'con-', meaning 'together', and 'vellere', meaning 'to pull'. Its evolution into 'convulsive' in English dates back to the 17th century. The adverbial form 'convulsively' emerged to describe actions characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms, reflecting the increasing medical understanding of such phenomena in both physiological and psychological contexts.