contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a
contuse
kən-ˈtüz How to pronounce contusion (audio)
-ˈtyüz
transitive verb

Examples of contusion in a Sentence

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg. suffered multiple contusions as a result of a car accident
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not long ago, the thought was that Suggs would miss just a few games with a thigh contusion, but a few games stretched to 14 games before the Magic made the fateful announcement Friday: Suggs has been diagnosed with a left knee injury and will be out indefinitely. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 While Wiggins is out, the Heat will have starting center Bam Adebayo available on Friday against the Pacers despite a right calf contusion. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 Center Bam Adebayo had been listed as questionable for Friday night’s game with a calf contusion but was then cleared to play after going through pregame warmups. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025 Brown sat out the Detroit game with a thigh contusion, and Kornet missed the last two for personal reasons. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteschown, from Latin contusion-, contusio, from contundere to pound, bruise, from com- + tundere to beat; akin to Goth stautan to strike, Sanskrit tudati he pushes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contusion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contusion. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tus·​ion
kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən
: an injury to tissue that usually does not break the skin : bruise
contuse
-ˈt(y)üz
verb

Medical Definition

contusion

noun
con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈt(y)ü-zhən How to pronounce contusion (audio)
: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1
contuse transitive verb
contused; contusing

More from Merriam-Webster on contusion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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