At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'convulsionar' very often, but it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a very strong version of 'to shake' (tremer). Imagine someone who is very, very sick and their body is moving in a way they cannot stop. Or, imagine someone laughing so hard that they can't sit still. In A1, we focus on simple physical actions. You might hear this word in a doctor's office or in a very dramatic story. It is a verb that ends in '-ar', so it follows the same rules as 'falar' (to speak). Example: 'O homem convulsiona' (The man is shaking violently). It is important to know that this is a serious word, used for big movements, not just a small shiver from the cold. If you see it in a book, look for clues about health or big social problems. Even at this early stage, knowing 'convulsionar' helps you understand that Portuguese has specific words for different types of movement. It's like 'shaking' but much more intense and out of control.
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe more complex situations, including health and social events. 'Convulsionar' is a useful verb because it helps you describe a 'convulsion' without needing a long sentence. In medical contexts, you might say 'A criança começou a convulsionar por causa da febre' (The child started to convulse because of the fever). This is more precise than just saying 'shaking'. You also start to see the metaphorical use. For example, 'O país convulsionou com a notícia' (The country was in turmoil with the news). At this level, you should be able to conjugate it in the present and the simple past (Pretérito Perfeito). Remember: eu convulsiono, ele convulsionou. You might also use it with 'de' to describe strong emotions, like 'convulsionar de rir' (to shake with laughter). This is a fun way to sound more natural. Instead of just saying 'Eu ri muito', you can say 'Eu convulsionava de rir'. It shows you understand how to use more descriptive verbs to express intensity. Pay attention to how it is used in news titles, as it is a common word in Portuguese media to describe big problems.
For B1 learners, 'convulsionar' becomes a tool for more sophisticated narrative and analysis. You can use it to describe not just physical states, but systemic instability. This is the level where you move beyond simple descriptions to explaining causes and effects. For instance, you might discuss how a specific economic crisis 'convulsionou o mercado' (convulsed the market). You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the Imperfect (convulsionava) to describe ongoing states of unrest, and the Future (convulsionará) for predictions. Understanding the difference between 'convulsionar' and 'agitar' is key here: 'agitar' is to make things move or excite them, while 'convulsionar' implies a deeper, more violent disruption. You can also use it in the subjunctive mood: 'É possível que a sociedade convulsione se os preços subirem' (It is possible the society will convulse if prices rise). This level requires you to recognize the word in more formal texts, such as editorials or academic essays, where it is used to paint a vivid picture of chaos. It’s also a good time to learn the noun form, 'convulsão', and how they work together in a sentence.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'convulsionar' with nuance and precision in both formal and informal registers. In a formal debate or essay, you might use it to describe the socio-political dynamics of a region: 'A instabilidade política convulsionou a região durante décadas' (Political instability convulsed the region for decades). Here, you are using the verb transitively to show agency. In informal settings, you might use it hyperbolically to describe a hilarious situation or a very dramatic reaction. You should also be aware of the word's etymology (from Latin 'convulsio') and how it relates to other 'conv-' words in Portuguese. At B2, you are expected to understand the emotional weight the word carries. It’s not just a synonym for 'to shake'; it’s a word that evokes images of distress, lack of control, and fundamental change. You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voices or with relative pronouns: 'A crise pela qual o país está convulsionando...' (The crisis through which the country is convulsing...). This demonstrates a high level of control over Portuguese syntax and vocabulary choice.
As a C1 learner, you use 'convulsionar' to add texture and intensity to your language. You recognize its potential in literary analysis and high-level political discourse. You can distinguish between its literal medical meaning and its figurative use to describe the 'death throes' of an old system or the 'birth pangs' of a new one. You might use it in a phrase like 'A obra de arte convulsionou os padrões estéticos da época' (The artwork convulsed the aesthetic standards of the time), showing how something abstract can experience a 'convulsion'. You are also sensitive to the register; you know that using 'convulsionar' in a casual conversation about a minor inconvenience would be seen as ironic or overly dramatic. You can use the verb in complex argumentative structures, perhaps pairing it with its antonyms to show contrast: 'Enquanto o litoral permanecia calmo, o interior convulsionava em revolta' (While the coast remained calm, the interior was convulsing in revolt). Your understanding of the word includes its collocations and the subtle ways it can be used to influence the reader's or listener's emotional response.
At the C2 level, 'convulsionar' is part of your mastery of the Portuguese language's expressive range. You use it with the same ease as a native speaker, often in creative or highly specialized ways. You might employ it in philosophical discussions about the nature of change or in medical research papers. You understand the historical weight of the word in Lusophone history—how certain events are described as 'convulsões sociais'—and you can use the verb to evoke that history. You might use it in poetry or advanced prose to describe nature: 'A terra convulsionou-se em um último suspiro geológico' (The earth convulsed in a final geological sigh). You are fully aware of regional variations and how the word might be received in different parts of the Portuguese-speaking world. For you, 'convulsionar' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile tool for precision, drama, and deep description. You can manipulate its transitiveness and reflexive forms to achieve specific stylistic effects, demonstrating a complete integration of the word into your linguistic repertoire.

convulsionar in 30 Sekunden

  • Convulsionar refers primarily to physical seizures or violent involuntary muscle movements often seen in medical emergencies or high fevers.
  • The verb is frequently used metaphorically to describe intense social or political unrest that shakes a nation's stability.
  • It can describe extreme emotional reactions, such as 'convulsionar de rir' (shaking with laughter) or 'convulsionar de dor' (shaking with pain).
  • Grammatically, it is a regular -ar verb, used intransitively for the state of convulsing or transitively for causing upheaval.

The Portuguese verb convulsionar is a powerful and evocative term that primarily describes the act of suffering from violent, involuntary muscular contractions. While its roots are firmly planted in medical terminology, its usage in modern Portuguese has expanded significantly into metaphorical realms, particularly in social, political, and emotional contexts. To understand convulsionar, one must envision a sudden, uncontrolled loss of stability or order, whether within a biological body or a body politic. In a clinical sense, it is used to describe the physical manifestation of seizures or severe spasms. However, you are just as likely to encounter it in a newspaper headline describing a country in the midst of a violent revolution or a social crisis that shakes the foundations of a community.

Medical Context
In healthcare settings, the verb refers to the physiological process of a convulsion. It implies a lack of agency; the subject is not performing the action by choice but is being overtaken by biological impulses. This is often seen in discussions about epilepsy, high fevers in children, or severe neurological trauma.

O paciente começou a convulsionar logo após o acidente, exigindo intervenção imediata da equipe médica.

Metaphorical Social Context
When applied to society, convulsionar suggests a state of extreme unrest, protest, or chaos. It paints a picture of a nation 'shaking' with anger or instability, much like a body in a seizure. This is a common term in political science and high-level journalism in Portuguese-speaking countries.

As novas políticas econômicas fizeram o mercado financeiro convulsionar durante toda a semana.

Furthermore, the word can be used to describe intense, uncontrollable laughter or sobbing. To 'convulsionar de rir' is to laugh so hard that your body physically shakes, losing its normal rhythm. This versatility makes it an essential word for learners who wish to move beyond basic vocabulary and express intensity. Whether it is a body, a crowd, or an emotion, convulsionar signifies a moment where control is lost to a more powerful, chaotic force.

Ela não conseguia parar, chegava a convulsionar de tanto riso com a piada do irmão.

Register and Tone
The word carries a serious and often dramatic weight. It is not a casual word for a small tremble; it implies violence and depth. Use it when you want to emphasize the severity of a situation or the loss of order.

A injustiça social pode convulsionar uma nação inteira se não for resolvida.

O país viu o regime convulsionar sob a pressão das manifestações populares.

Using convulsionar correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation as a regular '-ar' verb and its semantic range. Because it describes a process that is often ongoing or sudden, you will frequently see it in the infinitive, the gerund (convulsionando), or the past tense (convulsionou). It is important to match the subject carefully; the subject is the entity experiencing the upheaval or the involuntary movement. In medical sentences, the subject is usually a person or an animal. In metaphorical sentences, the subject is typically a collective noun like 'país' (country), 'sociedade' (society), or 'mercado' (market).

Intransitive Usage
In its most common form, the verb does not take a direct object. The action stays with the subject. For example, 'Ele começou a convulsionar.' (He started to convulse). Here, the focus is entirely on the subject's state.

Durante a febre alta, a criança pode convulsionar, o que assusta muito os pais.

Transitive Usage
While less common, it can be used transitively to mean 'to cause upheaval in something.' For instance, 'A guerra convulsionou a região.' (The war convulsed the region). In this case, the war is the agent causing the state of convulsion in the region.

A notícia bombástica fez a opinião pública convulsionar em debates acalorados.

Another nuanced use involves the preposition 'de' to indicate the cause of the convulsion, particularly with emotions. 'Convulsionar de dor' (to convulse with pain) or 'convulsionar de riso' (to convulse with laughter) are standard collocations that add descriptive flair to your Portuguese. It suggests that the emotion is so strong that it has physical consequences. When writing, consider the intensity you wish to convey; convulsionar is much stronger than tremer (to shake) or agitar (to agitate).

Ao receber a notícia da perda, o homem começou a convulsionar de tanto chorar.

Tense Variations
In historical narratives, the imperfect tense ('convulsionava') is often used to describe a period of instability. 'O país convulsionava sob a ditadura.' (The country was convulsing under the dictatorship).

Se a inflação continuar subindo, a economia poderá convulsionar novamente.

O choque elétrico fez o corpo do operário convulsionar violentamente.

The word convulsionar is a staple of specific domains in Lusophone life. You will most frequently encounter it in three primary arenas: the medical field, the news media (especially political and economic reporting), and high-level literature. In a hospital or a first-aid training course in Lisbon or São Paulo, the term is used with clinical precision. Medical professionals use it to document symptoms and educate students on patient care during neurological events. If you are watching a medical drama on TV, such as a Brazilian 'telenovela' with a hospital subplot, this word will appear whenever a character faces a health crisis.

The News and Media
Journalists love this verb for its dramatic impact. It is used to describe stock market crashes, social uprisings, or periods of intense political scandal. When a journalist says 'O governo convulsiona,' they are suggesting that the administration is in a state of terminal instability, shaking from the inside out.

As notícias de corrupção fizeram Brasília convulsionar em meio a protestos.

Literature and Arts
In Portuguese literature, from the classics to modern prose, 'convulsionar' is used to describe extreme human emotion. It serves as a vivid descriptor for characters overwhelmed by grief, passion, or madness. Poets use it to describe the sea during a storm or the earth during an earthquake.

O mar parecia convulsionar sob a fúria da tempestade de inverno.

In academic circles, particularly in history or sociology lectures, you will hear about 'períodos que convulsionaram a sociedade brasileira' (periods that convulsed Brazilian society). This refers to transformative, often violent eras like the transition from Monarchy to Republic or the military coups. The word implies that these events were not just changes, but violent disruptions to the social order. Even in sports commentary, though rarer, a commentator might say a team 'convulsionou' after a devastating loss, meaning they have lost all internal cohesion and are performing erratically.

A derrota inesperada fez o vestiário convulsionar com discussões entre os jogadores.

Everyday Idioms
While not an idiom itself, the phrase 'convulsionar de rir' is so common that it borders on idiomatic. You will hear it in social gatherings when someone is recounting a hilarious story.

Vimos o comediante e a plateia inteira começou a convulsionar de tanto rir.

O terremoto fez a terra convulsionar, derrubando prédios e pontes.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using convulsionar is confusing it with simpler verbs like tremer (to shake) or mexer (to move). While all involve movement, convulsionar implies a specific type of violent, involuntary, and often pathological movement. Using it to describe a hand shaking from cold or a nervous twitch is an overstatement that can sound slightly absurd to native ears. It’s the difference between a ripple and a tsunami. Another common error is grammatical: failing to use the correct preposition when expressing the cause of the convulsion. In Portuguese, we almost always use 'de' (convulsionar de...), whereas in English, we might use 'with' (convulse with...).

Overuse in Casual Settings
Avoid using 'convulsionar' for minor things. If you are just a little bit cold, say 'estou tremendo'. If you use 'estou convulsionando', people might call an ambulance!

Errado: O café está tão quente que minha mão está a convulsionar. (Correct: tremendo)

Confusing with 'Comover'
Some learners confuse 'convulsionar' with 'comover' (to be moved emotionally). While an emotional event can make you 'convulsionar' (physically shake with grief), 'comover' is about the internal feeling of being touched by something.

Errado: A música me fez convulsionar. (Unless it literally caused a seizure, use 'comover')

Furthermore, don't forget the reflexive possibilities. In some contexts, particularly in Brazil, you might hear 'se convulsionar', though the standard intransitive 'convulsionar' is more common in formal writing. Using the reflexive form is not necessarily a mistake, but it can sound more colloquial or regional depending on where you are. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse the verb with the noun 'convulsão'. You 'have' a 'convulsão' (ter uma convulsão) or you 'convulsionar'. Avoid mixing the two structures like 'ele está a convulsão'.

Correto: O país convulsionou com as greves. (Correct: The country convulsed with the strikes.)

Preposition Pitfalls
Always use 'de' for the cause. 'Convulsionar de medo' (to shake/convulse with fear). Using 'com' is common in English but sounds slightly off in this specific Portuguese construction.

Ela começou a convulsionar de rir assim que viu o gato no lustre.

Não confunda convulsionar com 'convolucionar' (a mathematical/technical term).

While convulsionar is a specific and powerful verb, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the intensity and the context you wish to describe. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most common alternative is the phrase ter convulsões, which is the standard way to describe the medical condition in daily speech. If you are describing simple physical shaking, tremer is your best bet. If the movement is more about twisting or writhing, contorcer-se is the appropriate choice. For social or political contexts, agitar or sublevar provide different shades of meaning regarding unrest.

Convulsionar vs. Tremer
'Tremer' is a general term for shaking (due to cold, fear, or a small earthquake). 'Convulsionar' is much more violent and usually implies a loss of control over the whole body or system.

Enquanto ele tremia de frio, o outro paciente começou a convulsionar.

Convulsionar vs. Agitar
In social contexts, 'agitar' means to stir up or excite. 'Convulsionar' is much more severe, suggesting that the agitation has reached a point of violent crisis or total breakdown of order.

O discurso do líder agitou a multidão, mas as prisões convulsionaram a cidade.

Another interesting alternative is estremecer, which means to shudder or shake deeply. It is often used for emotional shocks or physical vibrations (like a house shaking when a truck passes). However, estremecer lacks the repetitive, rhythmic violence of convulsionar. For medical precision, doctors might use clonizar or ter espasmos, but these are highly technical. In literature, you might see fustigar used for something being beaten or shaken violently, though it’s more about the external force than the internal reaction.

A terra estremeceu com o trovão, mas o susto fez o cão convulsionar.

Formal Alternatives
In academic writing, you might use 'desestabilizar' (to destabilize) or 'subverter' (to subvert) instead of the more graphic 'convulsionar'.

A crise financeira desestabilizou o governo e convulsionou o país.

O riso era tanto que ela parecia contorcer-se e convulsionar ao mesmo tempo.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'vellere' (to pull) is also found in the word 'wool' (vellus in Latin), as wool was originally plucked from sheep rather than shorn.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kõ.vul.sju.ˈnaɾ/
US /kõ.vul.sjo.ˈnaɾ/
The stress is on the last syllable: 'nar'.
Reimt sich auf
Falar Cantar Andar Lugar Mar Pensar Olhar Chegar
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'l' as a 'w' (common in Brazil: 'convulsionar' -> 'convusionar').
  • Forgetting the nasalization of the first 'o'.
  • Stressing the 'si' instead of the 'nar'.
  • Pronouncing the 'v' like a 'b' (rare in Portuguese, more common in Spanish speakers).
  • Treating 'io' as two distinct syllables instead of a diphthong.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'convulsion'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of the 'de' preposition.

Sprechen 4/5

Nasal sounds and the 'l' can be tricky for perfect pronunciation.

Hören 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, though 'l' might drop in fast Brazilian speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Tremer Corpo Doença Rir País

Als Nächstes lernen

Espasmo Sublevação Instabilidade Epilepsia Crise

Fortgeschritten

Paroxismo Estertor Clonismo Vituperar

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu convulsiono, tu convulsionas, ele convulsiona...

Causative Verbs (Fazer + Infinitive)

A notícia fez o país convulsionar.

Preposition 'de' for Cause

Convulsionar de rir, convulsionar de dor.

Gerund formation (-ando)

Ele está convulsionando (Brazilian Portuguese).

Subjunctive for Doubt/Possibility

Duvido que ele convulsione hoje.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

O homem começou a convulsionar na rua.

The man started to convulse in the street.

Present infinitive after 'começou a'.

2

O cachorro convulsiona por causa do susto.

The dog is convulsing because of the scare.

Simple present tense.

3

Eu vi uma pessoa convulsionar no hospital.

I saw a person convulse in the hospital.

Infinitive used as a complement.

4

Ela convulsiona de rir com a piada.

She shakes/convulses with laughter at the joke.

Use of 'de' to indicate cause.

5

O bebê pode convulsionar com febre alta.

The baby can convulse with a high fever.

Modal verb 'pode' followed by infinitive.

6

Não deixe o paciente convulsionar sozinho.

Don't let the patient convulse alone.

Imperative negative.

7

Por que ele está a convulsionar?

Why is he convulsing?

European Portuguese present continuous structure.

8

O gato convulsionou depois de comer algo ruim.

The cat convulsed after eating something bad.

Pretérito Perfeito (simple past).

1

A notícia fez o país convulsionar de medo.

The news made the country convulse with fear.

Causative structure with 'fazer'.

2

Durante a crise, o mercado começou a convulsionar.

During the crisis, the market started to convulse.

Infinitive after 'começar a'.

3

Ele convulsionou violentamente durante o ataque.

He convulsed violently during the attack.

Adverb 'violentamente' modifying the verb.

4

Nós convulsionamos de rir naquela noite.

We convulsed with laughter that night.

First person plural past tense.

5

O médico explicou por que o corpo convulsiona.

The doctor explained why the body convulses.

Indirect question structure.

6

A terra parece convulsionar durante o sismo.

The earth seems to convulse during the earthquake.

Verb 'parecer' followed by infinitive.

7

Se você tiver febre, pode convulsionar.

If you have a fever, you might convulse.

Conditional sentence type 1.

8

Eles convulsionavam de dor após o acidente.

They were convulsing with pain after the accident.

Imperfect tense for ongoing past action.

1

A revolução convulsionou a sociedade por anos.

The revolution convulsed society for years.

Transitive use of the verb.

2

É perigoso quando o paciente convulsiona por muito tempo.

It is dangerous when the patient convulses for a long time.

Impersonal 'É perigoso quando...' structure.

3

Espero que o país não convulsione com as eleições.

I hope the country doesn't convulse with the elections.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

4

A economia convulsionará se o banco central não agir.

The economy will convulse if the central bank doesn't act.

Future tense (Futuro do Presente).

5

O livro descreve como a guerra convulsionou a região.

The book describes how the war convulsed the region.

Relative clause describing a past action.

6

Ela convulsionava de tanto chorar na despedida.

She was convulsing from crying so much at the farewell.

Use of 'de tanto' to express intensity.

7

O veneno fez o animal convulsionar em poucos minutos.

The poison made the animal convulse in a few minutes.

Causative 'fazer' with time expression.

8

Se a sociedade convulsionar, haverá caos total.

If society convulses, there will be total chaos.

Future subjunctive in the 'if' clause.

1

A injustiça social convulsionou o panorama político nacional.

Social injustice convulsed the national political landscape.

Complex subject and abstract object.

2

Embora o paciente estivesse a convulsionar, ele sobreviveu.

Although the patient was convulsing, he survived.

Concessive clause with 'embora' and imperfect subjunctive.

3

O mercado convulsionou-se diante da incerteza global.

The market convulsed in the face of global uncertainty.

Reflexive use for systemic reaction.

4

Não convulsionem por tão pouco; mantenham a calma.

Don't convulse over so little; stay calm.

Negative imperative (plural).

5

Aquelas memórias ainda o faziam convulsionar de angústia.

Those memories still made him convulse with anguish.

Imperfect tense indicating habitual emotional response.

6

O sistema elétrico convulsionou antes do apagão total.

The electrical system convulsed before the total blackout.

Metaphorical use for technical failure.

7

Caso a multidão convulsione, a polícia deve intervir.

In case the crowd convulses, the police must intervene.

Subjunctive after 'caso'.

8

O regime convulsionou até sua queda definitiva.

The regime convulsed until its definitive fall.

Verb describing a process of decline.

1

A vanguarda artística convulsionou os alicerces da tradição.

The artistic avant-garde convulsed the foundations of tradition.

Highly metaphorical transitive use.

2

O pensamento de Nietzsche convulsionou a filosofia ocidental.

Nietzsche's thought convulsed Western philosophy.

Abstract subject causing widespread change.

3

Duvido que o governo convulsione diante de meras críticas.

I doubt the government will convulse in the face of mere criticism.

Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.

4

O mar convulsionava-se, fustigado por ventos ciclônicos.

The sea was convulsing, lashed by cyclonic winds.

Passive/Reflexive literary description.

5

A perda súbita fê-lo convulsionar em um pranto incontrolável.

The sudden loss made him convulse in uncontrollable weeping.

Enclitic pronoun 'fê-lo'.

6

Ao convulsionar, o corpo revela a fragilidade da consciência.

In convulsing, the body reveals the fragility of consciousness.

Gerund-like use of 'Ao' + infinitive.

7

As massas convulsionaram ao som do hino revolucionário.

The masses convulsed to the sound of the revolutionary anthem.

Describing collective physical/emotional energy.

8

A estrutura da empresa convulsionou após a fusão hostil.

The company structure convulsed after the hostile merger.

Corporate/Business context.

1

O tecido social convulsionava, prenunciando a ruptura iminente.

The social fabric was convulsing, foreshadowing the imminent rupture.

Literary imperfect with present participle.

2

A síncope fez com que o paciente convulsionasse espasmodicamente.

The syncope caused the patient to convulse spasmodically.

Subjunctive after 'fez com que'.

3

A obra convulsiona o leitor, retirando-o de sua zona de conforto.

The work convulses the reader, removing them from their comfort zone.

Active verb with direct object 'o leitor'.

4

Vimos a ordem estabelecida convulsionar perante o caos.

We saw the established order convulse before the chaos.

Perception verb + infinitive.

5

O planeta parece convulsionar em uma agonia climática.

The planet seems to convulse in a climatic agony.

Personification of the planet.

6

A retórica inflamada convulsionou os ânimos da assembleia.

The inflamed rhetoric convulsed the spirits of the assembly.

Metaphorical use for emotional state ('ânimos').

7

É imperativo que não deixemos a democracia convulsionar.

It is imperative that we do not let democracy convulse.

Subjunctive after 'É imperativo que'.

8

A história convulsionou-se em ciclos de violência e paz.

History convulsed in cycles of violence and peace.

Reflexive use for historical trends.

Häufige Kollokationen

Convulsionar de rir
Convulsionar de dor
Convulsionar a sociedade
Começar a convulsionar
Convulsionar violentamente
Fazer convulsionar
País convulsionado
Convulsionar em espasmos
Ver convulsionar
Convulsionar de medo

Häufige Phrasen

Entrar em convulsão

— To go into a convulsion (medical).

Ele entrou em convulsão no meio da aula.

Estado convulsionado

— A state of upheaval or agitation.

A região permanece em estado convulsionado.

Convulsionar o ambiente

— To disturb the peace of a room or setting.

Sua chegada convulsionou o ambiente calmo.

Convulsionar de soluços

— To shake with heavy sobbing.

Ela convulsionava de soluços após a briga.

Convulsionar a economia

— To cause a major economic shock.

A quebra do banco convulsionou a economia.

Convulsionar o sistema

— To disrupt a technical or social system.

O vírus convulsionou o sistema de dados.

Rir até convulsionar

— To laugh until you shake.

Rimos até convulsionar com aquela história.

Convulsionar de frio

— To shake violently from cold (hyperbole).

Estava tão gelado que cheguei a convulsionar.

Convulsionar as massas

— To incite large groups of people.

O ditador convulsionou as massas com seu ódio.

Mundo convulsionado

— A world in chaos.

Vivemos em um mundo cada vez mais convulsionado.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

convulsionar vs Comover

Comover is to be emotionally moved; convulsionar is to physically shake or be in chaos.

convulsionar vs Contorcer

Contorcer is to twist the body; convulsionar is to shake rhythmically and violently.

convulsionar vs Tremer

Tremer is a general shake (cold/fear); convulsionar is a severe medical or systemic event.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Convulsionar de rir"

— To laugh so hard your body shakes; to be in stitches.

A plateia convulsionou de rir com o comediante.

Informal
"Fazer o chão convulsionar"

— To cause a massive impact or earthquake (literal or figurative).

A explosão fez o chão convulsionar.

Literary
"Convulsionar os ânimos"

— To incite strong feelings or anger in a group.

A decisão do juiz convulsionou os ânimos dos torcedores.

Neutral
"Convulsionar por dentro"

— To feel intense internal turmoil or anxiety.

Por fora estava calmo, mas por dentro convulsionava.

Literary
"Deixar o país convulsionar"

— To allow a nation to fall into chaos without intervening.

O governo deixou o país convulsionar por semanas.

Political
"Convulsionar de ódio"

— To be so angry that your body physically reacts.

Ele convulsionava de ódio ao ver o traidor.

Literary
"Convulsionar a ordem"

— To completely disrupt the status quo.

A nova lei convulsionou a ordem estabelecida.

Formal
"Estar a convulsionar"

— To be currently in a state of seizure or chaos.

A cidade está a convulsionar com os protestos.

Neutral (PT-PT)
"Convulsionar até o fim"

— To struggle or shake until the very end of a process.

O império convulsionou até o fim de seus dias.

Literary
"Fazer a alma convulsionar"

— To deeply disturb or shake one's inner being.

Aquela visão fê-lo convulsionar a alma.

Poetic

Leicht verwechselbar

convulsionar vs Convolucionar

Similar spelling and sound.

Convolucionar is a technical/mathematical term related to convolution. Convulsionar is about shaking/turmoil.

O sinal foi convolucionado (math) vs. O corpo convulsionou (medical).

convulsionar vs Convocar

Both start with 'conv-'.

Convocar means to summon or call a meeting. Convulsionar means to shake.

O presidente convocou (summoned) a reunião.

convulsionar vs Comulsionar

Learners mix 'compulsão' and 'convulsão'.

'Comulsionar' is not a standard word; you probably mean 'compelir' or 'convulsionar'.

N/A (Avoid 'comulsionar').

convulsionar vs Revolucionar

Both relate to big changes.

Revolucionar is to create a positive or radical change. Convulsionar is the violent shaking/unrest that might accompany it.

A internet revolucionou o mundo.

convulsionar vs Vulsão

Root word similarity.

Vulsão is rarely used alone; usually found in 'avulsão' (tearing away).

Houve uma avulsão dentária.

Satzmuster

A1

O [sujeito] convulsiona.

O homem convulsiona.

A2

[Sujeito] começou a convulsionar.

A criança começou a convulsionar.

B1

[Sujeito] convulsionou de [emoção].

Nós convulsionamos de rir.

B2

[Evento] convulsionou o/a [sistema].

A crise convulsionou a economia.

C1

Ao [infinitivo], o [sujeito] convulsionou.

Ao ouvir a notícia, o país convulsionou.

C2

Duvida-se que a [entidade] convulsione.

Duvida-se que a estrutura convulsione.

Any

Fazer [algo] convulsionar.

Isso vai fazer o mundo convulsionar.

Any

Estar a/está [gerúndio] convulsionar.

O paciente está convulsionando.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Convulsão (convulsion)
Convulsionário (someone prone to convulsions)

Verben

Convulsionar (to convulse)

Adjektive

Convulsivo (convulsive)
Convulsionado (agitated/convulsed)

Verwandt

Vulsão
Revulsão
Impulso
Expulsão
Compulsão

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in news and medical contexts; moderate in daily life (mostly for laughter).

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'convulsionar' for a simple shiver. Estou tremendo de frio.

    Convulsionar is too violent for just being cold.

  • Saying 'convulsionar com rir'. Convulsionar de rir.

    The preposition 'de' is required for the cause of the convulsion.

  • Confusing 'convulsionar' with 'comover'. O filme me comoveu.

    Comover is emotional; convulsionar is physical/systemic.

  • Spelling it as 'convulcionar'. Convulsionar.

    It is spelled with an 's', following 'convulsão'.

  • Using 'estar a convulsão'. Estar a convulsionar / Estar tendo uma convulsão.

    You cannot use 'estar a' with a noun in this way.

Tipps

Use for Intensity

Save 'convulsionar' for when you want to describe something truly intense. It's a high-impact word.

Preposition Match

Always pair with 'de' when explaining the cause of the shaking (e.g., de rir, de dor).

Medical Accuracy

In a medical context, it's a precise term. Don't be afraid to use it with doctors.

Political Turmoil

Use it to describe riots, strikes, or major social changes in your writing to sound more advanced.

Noun Form

Remember the noun 'convulsão'. Sometimes 'Ele teve uma convulsão' is easier to say than 'Ele convulsionou'.

Nasal Start

The 'con' is nasal. Practice by saying 'mãe' and then trying to put that nasal quality into the 'o'.

Literary Flair

In stories, use it to describe the sea or the earth to give them human-like qualities of distress.

Not for Cold

Don't say 'estou convulsionando de frio' unless you are literally in a life-threatening state of hypothermia.

Mix it Up

If you've used 'agitar' already, 'convulsionar' is a great way to step up the level of chaos in your text.

Brazilian 'L'

In Brazil, the 'l' in 'convul-' sounds like a 'u'. Listen for 'con-vu-sion-ar'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'CON-VUL-sion'. 'CON' (with) 'VUL' (vultures). Imagine a person shaking so hard they are surrounded by vultures waiting for them to stop. It's a dark but effective image for a serious word.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a graph of a heart rate monitor or a stock market index that is suddenly jumping up and down wildly. That 'shaking' of the line is the visual essence of 'convulsionar'.

Word Web

Convulsão Espasmo Crise Agitação Caos Tremer Revolta Saúde

Herausforderung

Try to use 'convulsionar' in three different ways today: once for a medical symptom, once for laughter, and once for a news event you read about.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'convulsionem', which is the noun form of 'convellere'. The verb 'convellere' is composed of 'com-' (together/intensive) and 'vellere' (to pluck or pull).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To pull violently, to tear away, or to shatter.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Always use the word with empathy when referring to medical conditions. Avoid using it mockingly about people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

English speakers might use 'seizure' or 'fit' for the medical part, and 'upheaval' or 'turmoil' for the social part. 'Convulse' is the direct cognate but is used slightly less frequently in casual English than 'convulsionar' is in formal Portuguese.

Used in historical descriptions of the 'Cabanagem' revolt in Brazil. Often appears in the lyrics of 'MPB' (Música Popular Brasileira) songs describing social pain. Medical textbooks like 'Tratado de Neurologia' use it extensively.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Medical Emergency

  • Ele está convulsionando!
  • Chame uma ambulância.
  • Quanto tempo durou a convulsão?
  • Proteja a cabeça dele.

Political News

  • O país convulsionou após o golpe.
  • Protestos convulsionam a capital.
  • A economia está a convulsionar.
  • Crise social sem precedentes.

Telling a Funny Story

  • Eu convulsionava de rir.
  • Foi hilário, juro!
  • Quase tive um troço de tanto rir.
  • Todo mundo convulsionou.

Describing Weather/Nature

  • A terra convulsionou com o tremor.
  • O mar convulsionava na tempestade.
  • Céu em chamas e terra a convulsionar.
  • Forças da natureza.

Expressing Deep Grief

  • Ela convulsionava de soluços.
  • O choro era tão forte que ele convulsionava.
  • Dor insuportável.
  • Corpo tomado pela tristeza.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você já viu alguém convulsionar de rir em uma situação inapropriada?"

"Quais eventos históricos você acha que mais convulsionaram o seu país?"

"O que você faz se vir alguém começando a convulsionar na rua?"

"Você acha que as redes sociais ajudam a convulsionar a opinião pública?"

"Qual filme fez você convulsionar de rir do início ao fim?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva um momento em que você convulsionou de rir com seus amigos.

Reflita sobre como uma crise econômica pode convulsionar a vida de uma família.

Escreva sobre uma notícia recente que fez a sociedade convulsionar em debates.

Imagine que você é um médico descrevendo um paciente que começou a convulsionar.

Como a arte tem o poder de convulsionar as nossas certezas sobre o mundo?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'convulsionar' implies a violent and significant movement. For a small twitch, use 'tremer' or 'ter um tique'.

Yes, but in casual medical talk, Brazilians often say 'ter uma convulsão'. The verb is more common in news and literature.

They mean the same thing. 'Convulsionar' is the verb form, while 'ter convulsões' uses a noun. The latter is slightly more common in spoken language.

Yes, it is a very descriptive and correct way to describe a building shaking violently.

Usually 'de'. 'Convulsionar de rir', 'convulsionar de medo'. 'Com' is sometimes used but 'de' is the standard.

It's regular: eu convulsionei, tu convulsionaste, ele convulsionou, nós convulsionamos, vós convulsionastes, eles convulsionaram.

Yes, 'convulsionar-se' is possible, especially when emphasizing the internal nature of the struggle or in literary contexts.

It ranges from neutral (medical) to formal (political). 'Convulsionar de rir' is the only common informal use.

Yes, they are direct cognates and share almost all the same literal and figurative meanings.

The best opposites would be 'estabilizar' (to stabilize) or 'pacificar' (to pacify).

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 'convulsionar' to describe a medical emergency.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'convulsionar' to describe a funny situation.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'convulsionar' in the future tense about a country.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a time you saw someone 'convulsionar de rir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use the word 'convulsionado' as an adjective in a political context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain why a baby might 'convulsionar'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Create a short dialogue between a doctor and a nurse using the verb.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'convulsionar' in the subjunctive mood.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'convulsionar' to describe a natural disaster.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe an intense emotional reaction using 'convulsionar de dor'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using the first person plural 'nós convulsionamos'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'convulsionar' in a sentence about the stock market.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using the gerund 'convulsionando'.

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writing

Use the verb in a poetic or literary way.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a regime 'convulsionando'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'convulsionar' to describe a computer system failure.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about 'convulsionar de medo'.

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writing

Describe a historical event using the verb.

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writing

Use 'convulsionar' in the conditional tense.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'convulsionar' and the word 'violento'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'convulsionar' focusing on the nasal 'on'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Eu convulsiono de rir' with a happy tone.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'O paciente está convulsionando' with an urgent tone.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the past tense 'convulsionamos'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'O país convulsionou' as if you are a news anchor.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Practice the phrase 'convulsionar de dor'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Não deixe o paciente convulsionar' clearly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'convulsivamente'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A terra começou a convulsionar'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Eles convulsionavam de rir' (imperfect).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Practice the word 'convulsão'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'O mercado vai convulsionar'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Duvido que ele convulsione'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A injustiça convulsionou o povo'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the reflexive 'convulsionar-se'.

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speaking

Say 'Ela convulsiona de rir' fast.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'O regime convulsionou' with a serious tone.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Rimos até convulsionar'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A febre o fez convulsionar'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Practice 'convulsionário'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the word 'convulsionar'. How many syllables does it have?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is the stress on the first or last syllable in 'convulsionar'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Ele convulsionou'. Is this present or past?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Eles convulsionam'. Is this singular or plural?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'O país convulsionará'. Is this a certainty or a future possibility?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Does 'convulsionar' sound like 'convulsão'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Convulsionar de rir'. What is the emotion?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Convulsionar de dor'. What is the emotion/state?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

In the sentence 'O mercado convulsionou', is the speaker happy?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen for the 'l' sound. Is it a light or dark 'l' in European Portuguese?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Duvido que convulsione'. What is the mood?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'A terra convulsionava'. Is this a quick action?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'Fê-lo convulsionar'. Who is the object?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is the word 'convulsionar' used in a sports commentary context?

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to: 'A cidade está convulsionada'. Is the city peaceful?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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