Convulsing

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Convulse \Con*vulse"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Convulsed}; p. pr. &
     vb. n. {Convulsing}.] [L. convulsus, p. p. of convellere to
     tear up, to shake; con- + vellere to pluck, pull.]
     1. To contract violently and irregulary, as the muscular
        parts of an animal body; to shake with irregular spasms,
        as in excessive laughter, or in agony from grief or pain.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              With emotions which checked his voice and convulsed
              his powerful frame.                   --Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To agitate greatly; to shake violently.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The world is convulsed by the agonies of great
              nations.                              --Macaulay.
  
     Syn: To agitate; disturb; shake; tear; rend.
          [1913 Webster]