Dictionary
convulsive
adjective con·vul·sive \kən-ˈvəl-siv\
: 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
Full Definition of CONVULSIVE
1
a : 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>
— con·vul·sive·ly adverb
— con·vul·sive·ness noun
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First Known Use of CONVULSIVE
1615
Related to CONVULSIVE
- Synonyms
- cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), stormy, tempestuous, tumultuous, turbulent
- Antonyms
- nonviolent, peaceable, peaceful
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with CONVULSIVE
CONVULSIVELY Defined for Kids
convulsive
adjective con·vul·sive \kən-ˈvəl-siv\
Definition of CONVULSIVE for Kids
: 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>
— con·vul·sive·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
convulsive
adjective con·vul·sive \kən-ˈvəl-siv\
Medical Definition of CONVULSIVE
1
: constituting or producing a convulsion <convulsive disorders>
2
: caused by or affected with convulsions <convulsive motions> <a convulsive patient>
—con·vul·sive·ly adverb
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