Convulse

Origin

From Latin convulsus, past participle of convellere ("to pluck up, dislocate, convulse"), from com- ("together") + vellere ("to pluck, pull")

For spelling, the -e (on -lse) is so the end is pronounced /ls/, rather than /lz/ as in gulls, and does not change the vowel (‘u’). Compare else, false, pulse.

Full definition of convulse

Verb

1. (transitive) To violently shake or agitate.
2. (transitive) To create great laughter.

Related terms

• convulsion
• convulsive
• convulsant