1 convulsive | Definition of convulsive
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convulsive

adjective
con·​vul·​sive | \ kən-ˈvəl-siv How to pronounce convulsive (audio) \

Definition of convulsive

1a : constituting or producing a convulsion
b : caused by or affected with convulsions
2 : resembling a convulsion in being violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic convulsive laughter
Other Words from convulsive Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about convulsive

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Other Words from convulsive

convulsively adverb
convulsiveness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for convulsive

fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement. fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings. fitful sleep spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity. spasmodic growth convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement. convulsive shocks

Examples of convulsive in a Sentence

the assassination of Martin Luther King was one of the most convulsive events of the 1960s after a day of convulsive trading, the stock market was down 300 points

Recent Examples on the Web

 To me, there was something convulsive about playing for five-plus and then deciding it all with a conventional first-to-seven, win-by-two tiebreak. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "Mailbag: In Defense of the WTA's Age Eligibility Rule," 31 July 2019 Jean drifts through the film in a convulsive trance of intensity that’s a whisper away from traumatized. — Nick Romano, EW.com, "'Dark Phoenix' reviews: At least it's better than X-Men: Apocalypse…?," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'convulsive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of convulsive

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for convulsive

convulsive

adjective
How to pronounce convulsive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of convulsive

: involving or causing a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control
: causing the entire body to shake

See the full definition for convulsive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

convulsive

adjective
con·​vul·​sive | \ kən-ˈvəl-siv How to pronounce convulsive (audio) \

Kids Definition of convulsive

: causing or marked by violent, frantic, or jerky movement By convulsive efforts he got on his feet, staggered, and fell.— Jack London, The Call of the Wild

Other Words from convulsive

convulsively adverb

convulsive

adjective
con·​vul·​sive | \ kən-ˈvəl-siv How to pronounce convulsive (audio) \

Medical Definition of convulsive

1 : constituting or producing a convulsion convulsive disorders
2 : caused by or affected with convulsions convulsive motions a convulsive patient

Other Words from convulsive

convulsively adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on convulsive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with convulsive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for convulsive

Spanish Central: Translation of convulsive

Nglish: Translation of convulsive for Spanish Speakers

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