Convulsionary

/ˌkɒnvʌlʃəˈneɪri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by convulsions; involving sudden, violent movements or reactions.

Etymology

From convulsion plus the suffix -ary (from Latin -arius), meaning 'relating to' or 'pertaining to,' combined with -ery/-ary suffix variations common in English.

Kelly Says

This word has a fascinating dark history—'convulsionaries' were actual people in 1700s France whose religious fervor caused them to convulse publicly, creating a social phenomenon authorities had to regulate!

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