What is the Latin word for convulsion?

The usual Latin words for “convulsion” are spasmus, convulsiō, Scrībōnius; also convellō, spastĭcus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“convulsion” in Latin

spasmuscramp, convulsion, spasm convulsiōconvulsion; cramp, convulsion ScrībōniusGaius Scribonius Curio, a Roman statesman and orator; Scribonius Largus, a Roman physician convellōto shatter, batter, convulse; to overthrow spastĭcusafflicted with the cramp

The English word convulsion itself goes back to Latin vellō, through convulsiō.

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

convulsion

spasmus, spasma (both Plin., σπασμός, σπάσμα), pure Latin, convulsio (Scribonius., Comp., 165): to be seized with convulsions, convelli: one who is subject to convulsions, spasticus (σπαστικός).Τo prevent convulsions, spasmos fieri prohibere (Plin.).Τo be useful in convulsions, ad spasmos utile esse.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for convulsion?: The usual Latin words for “convulsion” are spasmus, convulsiō, Scrībōnius; also convellō, spastĭcus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.