concussion
5 synonyms for concussion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, usually causing temporary confusion or loss of consciousness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
head injury
brain trauma
How to use concussion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
suffer a concussion
concussion protocol
mild concussion
Etymology
From Latin concussio ("a violent shaking"), from concutere ("to shake violently").
Full origin of concussion →Frequently asked questions
What does “concussion” mean?
The word “concussion” means a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, usually causing temporary confusion or loss of consciousness. In plain terms, a head injury from a hard knock that leaves someone dazed or briefly unconscious.
How do you pronounce “concussion”?
“Concussion” is pronounced kuhn-KUH-shuhn (/kəŋkˈəʃɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “concussion” in a sentence?
Here is “concussion” used in a sentence: “He was taken to hospital with a suspected concussion after the fall.”
What part of speech is “concussion”?
“Concussion” is a noun.
Where does the word “concussion” come from?
The word “concussion” comes from Latin. From Latin concussio ("a violent shaking"), from concutere ("to shake violently").
Is “concussion” a common word?
“Concussion” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "concussion" and a "contusion"?
A "concussion" is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, usually causing temporary confusion or loss of consciousness. A "contusion" is simply a bruise, which can occur on the brain or elsewhere on the body, and does not necessarily involve the same disruption of brain function as a concussion.
Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes, a concussion can cause temporary confusion or loss of consciousness, but the definition does not require that a person actually pass out. Many concussions involve only confusion, disorientation, or other symptoms without any loss of consciousness at all.
What causes a concussion?
A concussion is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that jars the brain, which can happen from a fall, a collision in sports, or any impact affecting the head. This trauma disrupts normal brain function and usually leads to temporary confusion or loss of consciousness.
