[par.ox.ysm] n [F & ML; F paroxysme, fr. ML paroxysmus, fr. Gk paroxysmos, fr. paroxynein to stimulate, fr. para- + oxynein to provoke, fr. oxys sharp--more at oxygen] (15c) 1: a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease): convulsion "a ~ of coughing"
2: a sudden violent emotion or action: outburst "a ~ of rage" -- par.ox.ys.mal adj