contusion

noun

con·​tu·​sion kən-ˈtü-zhən 

-ˈtyü-

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1a

contuse

kən-ˈtüz 

-ˈtyüz

transitive verb

Synonyms

• bruise

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

Cameron Johnson is expected to miss three games, D’Angelo Russell is dealing with a shin contusion, and professional hucker and chucker Cam Thomas is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury. —Stan Son, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

Harris won’t be available for a second straight contest due to a left hamstring strain, while Black (low back contusion) is questionable. —Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025

The young player suffered serious head injuries and a lung contusion and was placed in a coma. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2024

Then, a calf contusion delayed the start to his rookie season. —Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

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

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 

: injury to tissue usually without laceration : bruise sense 1

contuse

-ˈt(y)üz 

transitive verb

contused; contusing