Noun

(en noun)

(medicine) An intense, paroxysmal, involuntary muscular contraction.

An uncontrolled fit, as of laughter; a paroxysm.

Violent turmoil.

Earthquakes and convulsions of nature shake Earth on a regular basis.

* 2013 June 18, , " Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):

In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate.

Noun

(f)

Noun

(en noun)

A state of turbulent motion.

An agitated disturbance or a hubbub.

* {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)

, chapter=19 citation , passage=When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him. He had him gripped firmly by the arm, since he felt it was not safe to let him loose, and he had no immediate idea what to do with him.}}

(euphemistic) Sexual excitement.

{{quote-Fanny Hill, part=3 , and now, glancing my eyes towards that part of his dress which cover'd the essential object of enjoyment, I plainly discover'd the swell and commotion there}}