First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
paroxysm
noun par·ox·ysm \ˈpa-rək-ˌsi-zəm also pə-ˈräk-\
medical : a sudden attack or increase of symptoms of a disease (such as pain, coughing, shaking, etc.) that often occurs again and again
: a sudden strong feeling or expression of emotion that cannot be controlled
Full Definition of PAROXYSM
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 \ˌpa-rək-ˈsiz-məl also pə-ˌräk-\ adjective
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Origin of PAROXYSM
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
Related to PAROXYSM
Rhymes with PAROXYSM
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Medical Dictionary
paroxysm
noun par·ox·ysm \ˈpar-ək-ˌsiz-əm also pə-ˈräk-\
Medical Definition of PAROXYSM
1
: a sudden attack or spasm (as of a disease)
2
: a sudden recurrence of symptoms or an intensification of existing symptoms <pain occurred in frequent paroxysms—Therapeutic Notes>
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