vellere

to pluck, pull violently

2 / 3

Adult in a seizure lying safely on side with a folded jacket under head and concerned caregiver keeping area clear, no restraint or object in mouth, educational restrained.

noun

convulsion

kun-VUL-shun/kənˈvʌlʃn/

A sudden uncontrolled violent movement.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly

+vulsLatinto pluck, pull violently

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The pieces underlie a Latin verb meaning “to tear loose,” giving convulsion an image of violent pulling. The noun described involuntary muscular contractions before extending to violent turmoil in a society or group.

Full entry

Related word entries

convulse
convulsion
svelte