convulsionary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “convulsionary” mean?
Relating to, causing, or suffering from convulsions (violent, involuntary muscle contractions or social/political upheavals).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to, causing, or suffering from convulsions (violent, involuntary muscle contractions or social/political upheavals).
A person involved in or promoting violent social or political upheaval; pertaining to anything marked by violent, irregular, or erratic motion or change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Often carries a historical or medical tone. In historical contexts, can refer specifically to members of radical groups (e.g., during the French Revolution).
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage, appearing primarily in academic historical texts or medical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “convulsionary” in a Sentence
[adj] convulsionary + noun (e.g., convulsionary faction)[noun] the + convulsionary + verb (e.g., the convulsionary was arrested)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convulsionary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb form does not exist.
American English
- The verb form does not exist.
adverb
British English
- The adverb form 'convulsionarily' is virtually unattested and not used.
American English
- The adverb form 'convulsionarily' is virtually unattested and not used.
adjective
British English
- The period was marked by convulsionary violence across the provinces.
American English
- Her research focused on convulsionary religious sects in early modern Europe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical studies (e.g., 'the convulsionaries of the Parisian underworld') or medical literature describing seizure-related phenomena.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
In neurology, can describe events related to convulsions, though 'convulsive' is vastly preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “convulsionary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convulsionary”
- Using it in place of the more common 'convulsive'.
- Assuming it is a standard synonym for 'revolutionary'.
- Misspelling as 'convulutionary'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word primarily found in academic historical or medical texts.
'Convulsive' is the standard adjective meaning 'related to convulsions.' 'Convulsionary' is rarer and can also function as a noun for a person causing upheaval.
It would be highly unusual. Terms like 'seismic,' 'tectonic,' or 'convulsive' (metaphorically) are standard.
No. The related verb is 'to convulse.'
Relating to, causing, or suffering from convulsions (violent, involuntary muscle contractions or social/political upheavals).
Convulsionary is usually formal/literary/technical in register.
Convulsionary: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvʌl.ʃən.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvʌl.ʃə.ner.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with this rare term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'convulsion' (a violent shake) + 'ary' (person/thing related to). A convulsion-ary is related to violent shaking, either of the body or society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/POLITICAL UPHEAVAL IS A PHYSICAL CONVULSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'convulsionary' MOST likely to be found?