verb
concuss
kun-KUSS/kənˈkʌs/
Injure the brain by a blow or violent shaking.
A hard fall can concuss a player wearing a helmet.
Etymology
The 'shake' root underlies the Latin meaning 'shake violently.' English first used concuss for violent shaking generally, then specialized it to mean injuring the brain.
In context
modern research confirms their protection comes from precise force redirection, non- mythical brain padding, making them nature's living jackhammers capable of withstanding forces that would concuss any human.
More examples
- The crash concussed him even though he never lost consciousness.
- Violent shaking can concuss a baby without a direct blow.
- The doctor checks whether the fallen rider is concussed.
Forms
concuss · concusses · concussed · concussing
concussion noun — A brain injury from impact or shaking.
Similar words
- injure
- Covers bodily harm generally, not specifically a brain injury.
- stun
- Means temporarily daze, without necessarily causing a brain injury.