convulsion

noun

UK/kənˈvʌl.ʃᵊn/
US/kənˈvʌl.ʃᵊn/

Definitions of convulsion noun

  1. CountableUsually plural

    A sudden, uncontrollable and often violent movement of the muscles in the body, typically caused by illness or certain substances.

    • The child began experiencing full body convulsions after developing a high fever.

    • A severe epileptic seizure can lead to violent convulsions.

    • An overdose of certain drugs can trigger convulsions.

Idioms

  • be in convulsions

    To laugh uncontrollably, often with bodily shaking or spasms.

    After hearing that joke, he was in convulsions of laughter, nearly shaking.