convulsion
UK: kənˈvʌlʃən | US: kənˈvʌlʃən
n. 1. A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles (e.g., during a seizure).
n. 2. A social or political upheaval; a violent disturbance.
n. 3. (Medical) An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.
convulsion = con<together> + vul<to pull/twist> + sion<noun suffix>
- con<together>: From Latin con-, meaning "with" or "together."
- vul<to pull/twist>: From Latin vellere (past participle vulsus), meaning "to tear, pull, or twist."
- sion<noun suffix>: Forms nouns indicating an action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word convulsion traces back to Latin convulsio ("a tearing loose, violent agitation"), derived from convellere ("to tear away, wrench"). The root vellere (vul- here) evokes forceful pulling or twisting, reflecting the physical spasms or metaphorical upheavals the word describes. Over time, it evolved into Middle French convulsion before entering English in the 16th century, retaining its dual sense of bodily and societal turmoil.
The patient experienced a severe convulsion during the epileptic episode.
The political scandal sent the nation into convulsions.
His laughter was so intense it bordered on convulsion.
The earthquake caused convulsions in the ground, toppling buildings.
Historical convulsions often lead to radical societal changes.