n.
Pronunciation: ' pa-r ə k- ˌ si-z ə m also p ə - ' räk-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English paroxism, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp ― more at OXYGEN
Date: 15th century
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage>
– par · ox · ys · mal \ ˌ pa-r ə k- ' siz-m ə l also p ə - ˌ räk- \ adjective