Sudden, violent, irregular movements of the body caused by involuntary muscle contractions. Can also refer to violent social or political upheavals.
From Latin 'convulsio,' from 'convellere' (to tear away, convulse), combining 'con-' (together) and 'vellere' (to pull). Medical usage dates to the 14th century.
The word's dual meaning—both medical seizures and social upheaval—reflects how humans have always understood that dramatic change, whether in bodies or societies, involves violent shaking of the status quo!
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