paroxysm

[ par-uhk-siz-uhm, puh-rok‐ ]

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.

paroxysm

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌparoxˈysmal, adjective
• ˌparoxˈysmally, adverb

Other Words From

• par·ox·ys·mal [par-, uh, k-, siz, -m, uh, l, p, uh, -rok‐] par·ox·ys·mic [par-, uh, k-, siz, -mik, p, uh, -rok‐] adjective
• hy·per·par·ox·ysm noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paroxysm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paroxysm¹

C17: via French from Medieval Latin paroxysmus annoyance, from Greek paroxusmos, from paroxunein to goad, from para- ¹(intensifier) + oxunein to sharpen, from oxus sharp

Example Sentences

The current global paroxysm is intense and alarming, but it is a tremor not an earthquake.

From The Daily Beast

In a paroxysm of rage and fear, he gave the final order, and the Well of Cawnpore thereby attained its ghastly immortality.

From Project Gutenberg

Pincher, who followed close at her heels, gave an ominous growl, and burst off into a fresh paroxysm of barking.

From Project Gutenberg

When about eight years old, in a paroxysm of ferocious hate, she pushed her brother Charles into the Bievre, where he was drowned.

From Project Gutenberg

I cry, in a paroxysm of sudden fear, pressing my hot lips upon her face.

From Project Gutenberg

Patients suffering from delirium tremens, for instance, may die suddenly in the midst of a paroxysm of excitement.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• convulsion
• flare-up