Con·vulse v. t. [imp. & p. p. Convulsed p. pr. & vb. n. Convulsing.]
 1. To contract violently and irregulary, as the muscular parts of an animal body; to shake with irregular spasms, as in excessive laughter, or in agony from grief or pain.
    With emotions which checked his voice and convulsed his powerful frame.   --Macaulay.
 2. To agitate greatly; to shake violently.
    The world is convulsed by the agonies of great nations.   --Macaulay.
 Syn: -- To agitate; disturb; shake; tear; rend.
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