concussion

noun

con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce concussion (audio)
1
a
: a stunning, damaging, or shattering effect from a hard blow
especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function
The football player suffered a concussion.
b
: a hard blow or collision
2
: agitation, shaking
The concussion from the explosion was felt 12 miles away.
concussive adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for concussion

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of concussion in a Sentence

She suffered a severe concussion after falling on the ice. He went to hospital with concussion.
Recent Examples on the Web More:Wayne County sheriff's deputy suspended, charged with ethnic intimidation in Macomb Co. The officer involved went to a local hospital and is in stable condition, with a possible concussion and likely a broken hand. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024 She has been diagnosed with a concussion, but her initial scans came back otherwise clean. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 When Garay-Serrato's mother died in 2015, concussion experts asked to autopsy the brain. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 Daphne’s wrist was broken; Electra suffered a concussion. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 The teacher fell to the ground and was punched 15-20 times in the head, and later was treated for a concussion. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 In the 20 years since CTE became a household acronym, rule changes ostensibly aimed at minimizing the risk of bodily injuries, including blows to the head and concussions, have been implemented, but their efficacy remains questionable at best. Adina Wise, STAT, 9 Feb. 2024 Duncan Robinson shot 1 for 6 on threes after shooting 1 for 5 on threes in his first two games back from concussion protocol. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024 Studies suggest most women in this group have sustained at least one mild TBI, a brain injury commonly known as a concussion. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'concussion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English concussioun, from Latin concussion-, concussio, from concutere to shake violently, from com- + quatere to shake

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of concussion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near concussion

Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concussion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

concussion

noun
con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce concussion (audio)
1
: a violent uneven motion
2
: a hard blow or collision
3
: bodily injury especially of the brain resulting from a sudden sharp jar (as from a blow)
concussive adjective

Medical Definition

concussion

noun
con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkəsh-ən How to pronounce concussion (audio)
1
: a hard blow or collision
2
: a condition resulting from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow
especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function and sometimes marked by permanent damage
concussive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

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