paroxysm

[ˈpærəksɪzəm]

paroxysm Definition

  • 1a sudden and violent expression of emotion, especially one that is a symptom of a mental or physical condition
  • 2a sudden attack or increase of symptoms of a disease

Using paroxysm: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "paroxysm" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was seized by a paroxysm of coughing.

  • Example

    The patient experienced a paroxysm of pain.

  • Example

    The news sent her into paroxysms of rage and despair.

paroxysm Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with paroxysm

  • a sudden and uncontrollable fit of laughter

    Example

    The comedian's jokes sent the audience into paroxysms of laughter.

  • a sudden and uncontrollable fit of crying

    Example

    The sad news brought on a paroxysm of weeping.

  • a sudden and uncontrollable fit of anger

    Example

    The insult provoked a paroxysm of anger in him.

Origins of paroxysm

from Greek 'paroxusmos', meaning 'irritation, exasperation'

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Summary: paroxysm in Brief

The term 'paroxysm' [ˈpærəksɪzəm] refers to sudden and violent expressions of emotion, often symptomatic of mental or physical conditions. It can also denote sudden attacks or increases in symptoms of a disease. Examples include 'He was seized by a paroxysm of coughing' and 'The news sent her into paroxysms of rage and despair.' Phrases like 'paroxysm of laughter' and 'paroxysm of weeping' describe sudden and uncontrollable fits of emotion.