Meaning of convulsion in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /kənˈvəlʃən/

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  1. Noun

    convulsion

    Etymology

    mid 16th century (originally in the sense ‘cramp, spasm’): from Latin convulsio(n-), from the verb convellere (see convulse)

    Definitions

    1. a sudden uncontrollable attack

    Examples

    • « a paroxysm of giggling »
    • « a fit of coughing »
    • « convulsions of laughter »
  2. 2. violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles

    Derived terms

  3. 3. a violent disturbance

    Examples

    • « the convulsions of the stock market »
  4. 4. a physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval

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