noun

convulsion

convulsion, fit, seizure, upheaval

The high fever caused a convulsion.

The high fever caused a convulsion.

The country was in political convulsion.

The country was in political convulsion.

((to have a convulsion)) to experience an uncontrollable muscle spasm The high fever caused a convulsion.

((in convulsion)) in a state of violent social or political upheaval The country was in political convulsion.

Synonyms: seizure, spasm, fit, upheaval, turmoil

From Latin "con-" (together, with) + "vellere" (to pull, pluck). A violent "pulling together" of muscles.

Think of a violent "pulling" ("vuls") "together" ("con-") of muscles (a seizure) or of society (an upheaval).

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