From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Convulse \Con*vulse"\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Convulsed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Convulsing}.] [L. convulsus, p. p. of convellere to tear up, to shake; con- + vellere to pluck, pull.]
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.
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