Convulse

Part of speech: verb (v.)

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.

Synonyms: agitate; disturb; shake; tear; rend.