Dictionary.com

paroxysm

[ par-uhk-siz-uhm, puh-rok‐ ]
/ ˈpær əkˌsɪz əm, pəˈrɒk‐ /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: paroxysm / paroxysmal on Thesaurus.com
noun
any sudden, uncontrollable outburst; a fit of emotion or action: paroxysms of rage;a paroxysm of laughter;a paroxysm of coughing;The war unleashed a paroxysm of violence.
Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of paroxysm

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

OTHER WORDS FROM paroxysm

par·ox·ys·mal [par-uhk-siz-muhl, puh-rok‐] /ˌpær əkˈsɪz məl, pəˌrɒk‐/ par·ox·ys·mic [par-uhk-siz-mik, puh-rok‐] /ˌpær əkˈsɪz mɪk, pəˌrɒk‐/ adjectivehy·per·par·ox·ysm, noun

Words nearby paroxysm

parotoid, parotta, -parous, Parousia, paroxetine, paroxysm, paroxysmal, paroxysmal tachycardia, paroxytone, parpen, parpend
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to paroxysm

convulsion, flare-up, agitation, anger, attack, eruption, excitement, explosion, fit, frenzy, furor, fury, hysterics, outbreak, outburst, passion, rage, violence, frothing, fuming

How to use paroxysm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for paroxysm

paroxysm
/ (ˈpærəkˌsɪzəm) /
noun
an uncontrollable outbursta paroxysm of giggling
pathol
  1. a sudden attack or recurrence of a disease
  2. any fit or convulsion

Derived forms of paroxysm

paroxysmal or paroxysmic, adjectiveparoxysmally, adverb

Word Origin for paroxysm

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK