convulse

Verb
Synonyms: threshthresh aboutthrashthrash aboutslashtossjactitate

WordNet 3.0

Verb (6)

  1. make someone convulse with laughter“The comedian convulsed the crowd”
  2. be overcome with laughter
  3. move or stir about violently“The feverish patient thrashed around in his bed”Synonyms: threshthresh aboutthrashthrash aboutslashtossjactitate
  4. shake uncontrollably“earthquakes convulsed the countryside”
  5. cause to contract“The spasm convulses her facial muscles”
  6. contract involuntarily, as in a spasm“The muscles in her face convulsed”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Convulse \Con*vulse"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Convulsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Convulsing.] [L. convulsus, p. p. of convellere to tear up, to shake; con- + vellere to pluck, pull.]

1.To contract violently and irregulary, as the muscular parts of an animal body; to shake with irregular spasms, as in excessive laughter, or in agony from grief or pain. [1913 Webster]

With emotions which checked his voice and convulsed his powerful frame.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]

2.To agitate greatly; to shake violently. [1913 Webster]

The world is convulsed by the agonies of great nations.— Macaulay.

Syn: To agitate; disturb; shake; tear; rend. [1913 Webster]

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