contusion

noun

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

Synonyms of contusion

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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.
Right tackle Luke Goedeke tore his plantar fascia and suffered a severe foot contusion, and missed six games. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Police say the attack left the woman with a laceration on her lip, a contusion around her nose and an abrasion on her neck. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Jake Burger was hit by Johnson in the third inning and left the game after four innings with a left wrist contusion. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The shattered glass allegedly caused multiple small lacerations to the victim's face, which were visible to officers during the report, along with multiple contusions to the face. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for contusion

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Browse Nearby Words

contuse
contusion
contusioned
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Cite this Entry

“Contusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contusion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-ˈt(y)üz How to pronounce contusion (audio)
transitive verb
contused; contusing

More from Merriam-Webster on contusion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contusion

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