paroxysm

American  

[par-uhk-siz-uhm, puh-rok‐] / ˈpær əkˌsɪz əm, pəˈrɒk‐ /

noun

1. any sudden, uncontrollable outburst; a fit of emotion or action: a paroxysm of laughter; The war unleashed a paroxysm of violence.

   paroxysms of rage;

   a paroxysm of laughter;

   a paroxysm of coughing;

   The war unleashed a paroxysm of violence.

2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.

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paroxysm British  

/ ˈpærəkˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. an uncontrollable outburst

   a paroxysm of giggling

2. pathol

   1. a sudden attack or recurrence of a disease

   2. any fit or convulsion

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• paroxysmal
  adjective
• paroxysmic
  adjective
• hyperparoxysm
  noun
• paroxysmally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of paroxysm

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier paroxismos, from Greek paroxysmós “irritation,” derivative of paroxýnein “to irritate.” See par-, oxy- ¹, -ism

Explanation

A paroxysm is a convulsion or sudden fit, brought on because you're freaking out or coming down with something. Paroxysm is from the Greek word paroxysmos, which basically means "to irritate." If you're irritated to the point of having a wild fit, like if you see someone trying to steal your car, you might go into a paroxysm of rage. When the clowns performed their act, the audience went into a paroxysm of giggles. A paroxysm can be medical, too, like when an illness suddenly attacks, and you get symptoms like chills and a fever right away.

Example Sentences

Paroxysm overtook pantomime, inviting charges of vanity and excess.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2022

Paroxysm, par′oks-izm, n. a fit of acute pain occurring at intervals: a fit of passion: any sudden violent action.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Paroxysm applies to an alternately recurring and receding pain, which comes as it were in waves; the paroxysm is the rising of the wave.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

He rolled off the Sofa and tossed about on a $1,200 Rug in a Paroxysm of Merriment.

From More Fables by Ade, George

Besides that great Paroxysm or Increase, which is perceivable in all the Subjects of this Fever, some have also other less intervening ones.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

Related Words

• convulsion
• flare-up