What does convulsed mean?
"Convulsed" describes something shaken by violent, uncontrollable movement or turmoil. In its most literal sense it refers to a body gripped by convulsions — sudden, involuntary muscular contractions, as during a seizure. More often in writing it appears figuratively: a nation may be described as convulsed by civil war, an institution convulsed by scandal, or a crowd convulsed with grief. There is also a lighter, somewhat old-fashioned idiom in which someone is "convulsed with laughter," meaning they are laughing so hard their whole body shakes. The word derives from the Latin convulsus, past participle of convellere, "to pull violently apart," so it has always carried the sense of force applied from within or without. Strongly dramatic in tone, it suits formal prose, history, and journalism far more than casual conversation, where plainer words like "shaken" would normally be chosen.
Past tense and past participle of 'convulse': to shake or agitate violently, either with involuntary muscular spasms or with intense turmoil.
"The earthquake convulsed the entire valley."
Frequently used passively ('was convulsed by...') in historical and political writing.
Describing a person, place, or thing in a state of violent, uncontrolled movement or agitation.
"He lay convulsed on the floor after the seizure."
The Romans used 'convulsio' for muscles seized beyond their owner's control — which is why we still say a joke left us 'convulsed with laughter': laughing hard enough that your body takes over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of convulsed
"Convulsed" comes from the Latin convulsus, the past participle of convellere, meaning "to pull or shake violently." The verb entered English in the early modern period, when Latin participles were commonly borrowed as adjectives and verbs describing violent physical motion. Its Latin root combines the intensive prefix com- with vellere, "to pluck or tear," giving a core image of something being wrenched apart. Cognates and derivatives include "convulsion," "convulsive," and "convulse."
Related word forms
How convulsed is actually used
Mostly formal or literary in its literal and figurative senses; the phrase 'convulsed with laughter' is a somewhat old-fashioned but still recognizable humorous idiom. The word carries a strong connotation of violent, involuntary disturbance rather than mere excitement.
Easily confused with convulsed
'Convulsed' means shaken by violent spasms or turmoil, while 'concussed' means having suffered a brain injury from a blow to the head.