The word "be convulsed" is spelled as /bi kənˈvʌlsd/. The phonetic transcription of this word explains its correct pronunciation, which is "bee kuhn-vuhlsd". The "e" in "be" is pronounced as "ee" while "convulsed" is pronounced as "kuhn-vuhlsd" with stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word is important as incorrect spelling may change the meaning of the sentence. "Be convulsed" means to experience muscular contractions, while "be convoluted" means to be twisted and complex.
The phrase "be convulsed" typically refers to a state of severe shaking, trembling, or uncontrollable movement that affects the body, often triggered by strong emotions, strong pain, or a medical condition. It describes an intense and involuntary muscular contraction that causes sudden and violent movements.
When an individual experiences being convulsed, their body undergoes rapid, irregular, and sometimes jerky motions which can affect any part of the body, such as the limbs, face, or even the entire body as a whole. This convulsive state may cause extreme limbs flailing, a rigid body posture, or erratic and repetitive movement. Convulsions can last for several seconds to minutes, depending on the underlying cause.
This phenomenon can manifest in various contexts, such as during an epileptic seizure, due to high fever (especially in children), or as a result of a neurological disorder. Additionally, it can also be figuratively used to describe an intense reaction, usually associated with laughter or extreme joy, where an individual's body seems to be overtaken by intense and spontaneous shaking or uncontrollable movements.
Overall, "be convulsed" refers to a state of strong, involuntary muscular activity, either as a medical symptom or a strong emotional response, where the individual experiences violent and uncontrolled shaking or movements of the body.
The etymology of the phrase "be convulsed" can be understood by examining the origins of the individual words it consists of:
1. Convulsed: The word "convulsed" is derived from the Latin word "convulsus", which is the past participle of "convellere". "Convellere" is composed of two elements: "con-" meaning "together" or "thoroughly", and "vellere" meaning "to pull" or "to tear". Thus, "convulsed" carries the meaning of being violently or involuntarily pulled or torn apart.
2. Be: In this particular context, "be" is a verb-form of the infinitive "to be". It is derived from the Old English word "bēon", which has Indo-European roots and is shared with many Germanic languages. It represents the state of existence or condition.