WordWeb Online

1. A sudden uncontrollable attack
   "convulsions of laughter";
   - paroxysm, fit
    
2. Violent uncontrollable contractions of muscles
    
3. A violent disturbance
   "the convulsions of the stock market";
   - turmoil, upheaval
    
4. A physical disturbance such as an earthquake or upheaval

Derived forms: convulsions

Type of: attack, carry-on [Brit, informal], commotion, disruption, disturbance, flutter, hoo-ha [informal], hoo-hah [informal], hurly burly, ictus, kerfuffle [Brit, informal], raptus, seizure, song and dance [Brit, informal], to-do [informal], trouble

Encyclopedia: Convulsion