Con-vŭlse', v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CONVULSED (kon-vŭlst'); p. pr. & vb. n. CONVULSING.] [Lat. convellere, convulsum, from con and vellere, to pluck, pull.] To draw or contract violently and irregularly, as the muscular parts of an animal body; to shake with irregular spasms; to agitate from within. “With emotions which checked his voice and convulsed his powerful frame.” Macaulay.

The world is convulsed by the agonies of great nations. Macaulay.

Synonyms—To agitate; disturb; shake; tear; rend.