convulsant
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kənˈvʌlsənt/
KK: /kənˈvʌlsənt/
adjective
Definition
Causing or producing sudden, uncontrolled movements or contractions in the body.
Example
The doctor prescribed a convulsant medication to help manage the patient's seizures.
Conversation
I read that some medications can be really dangerous if they are convulsant.
That sounds scary! What do they do?
They can cause serious muscle spasms and convulsions in some people.
Wow, I had no idea. It's important to know what we're taking!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spasmodic
twitching
jerking
Antonyms
calming
soothing
relaxing
noun
Definition
A substance that causes muscle contractions or seizures, often used in medical contexts.
Example
The doctor prescribed a convulsant to help manage the patient's seizures.
Conversation
Did you hear about that new medication that acts as a convulsant?
Yeah, I read that it can trigger seizures in some patients.
That's kind of scary, especially for people with epilepsy.
Root Explanation
Convulsant → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "vulsare" (meaning to pull or tear). The word "convulsant" refers to something that causes convulsions or involuntary muscle contractions, indicating a pulling or tearing action in the body.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pulling together' ('con-' and 'vulsare') to remember that a convulsant causes muscles to contract involuntarily.
Visually Confused Words
conusant
consultant
concussant