convulse

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to shake or contract violently in sudden, involuntary movements

   A severe spasm can convulse the muscles of the whole body.

2. 2
   verb

   to make someone shake with uncontrollable laughter

   The absurd scene continued to convulse the audience.

3. 3
   verb

   to throw a place, group, or system into violent turmoil

   The scandal threatened to convulse the government.

From Latin convulsus, the past participle of convellere, 'to pull violently or tear away,' formed from com- 'together' and vellere 'to pluck or pull.' The bodily sense developed from the image of wrenching movement.

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