concussion

noun

con·​cus·​sion kən-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce concussion (audio)
Synonyms of concussion
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
kən-ˈkə-siv How to pronounce concussion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of concussion

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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
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.
Bryant played 48 percent of Denver’s offensive snaps last season and missed two games with a concussion. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 That way, no one has to make an excuse for Malik Nabers going to a Travis Scott concert while in the concussion protocol. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 Miami’s roster Saturday was depleted as German Berterame is out on concussion protocol after a hard hit against Montreal that resulted in him exiting the field in an ambulance. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 The Red Sox held out All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras, who had concussion testing after he was hit by a pitch on the side of his helmet Friday night. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concussion

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

Phrases Containing concussion

Rhymes for concussion

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Browse Nearby Words

concussed
concussion
concussion bellows
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Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concussion. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˈkəs-iv How to pronounce concussion (audio)
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
-ˈkəs-iv How to pronounce concussion (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Nglish: Translation of concussion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concussion

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