Convulse

To convulse is to undergo or cause to undergo sudden, violent, and uncontrollable muscular contractions; to shake or agitate violently. The term can describe physical manifestations, like spasms and tremors, or metaphorical situations involving unrest, disruption, or upheaval. It implies a loss of control, whether it be of a body, an event, or a system. The intensity of a convulsion varies; it might be a mild shudder or a powerful, prolonged seizure. The word often carries a sense of drama, denoting a dramatic and often painful reaction to something. It suggests a sudden, involuntary response that disrupts the normal state of things, be it a physiological function or a broader context. Beyond the physical, it can express a chaotic emotional state or the tumultuous effect of significant change.

Convulse meaning with examples

• The injured athlete began to convulse on the field after a severe collision, causing immediate concern among the medical team. His body was wracked with involuntary spasms as they assessed the severity of his condition, leading to the swift mobilization of emergency services.
• The earthquake caused the ground to convulse, resulting in widespread damage to the infrastructure and triggering multiple aftershocks that further destabilized the buildings. The initial tremor was so violent that it overturned cars and cracked foundations.
• The audience began to convulse with laughter during the comedian's hilarious routine, their bodies shaking with unrestrained mirth as he delivered joke after joke. The uproarious reaction showed the comedy was very well-received.
• The country's economy began to convulse after the stock market crashed, triggering panic among investors and leading to widespread job losses. It quickly spiralled into a deep recession that affected many families.