Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Noun: convulsion  kun'vúl-shun
  1. A sudden uncontrollable attack
    "convulsions of laughter";
    - paroxysm, fit
     
  2. Violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles
     
  3. A violent disturbance
    "the convulsions of the stock market";
    - turmoil, upheaval
     
  4. A physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval

Derived forms: convulsions

Type of: attack, carry-on [Brit, informal], commotion, disruption, disturbance, flutter, hoo-ha [informal], hoo-hah [informal], hurly burly, ictus, kerfuffle [Brit, informal], raptus, seizure, song and dance [Brit, informal], to-do [informal], trouble

Encyclopedia: Convulsion