paroxysm

UK: ˈpærəksɪzəm | US: ˈpærəksɪzəm

Definition

  1. n. a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity

  2. n. (medical) a sudden recurrence or worsening of symptoms

Structure
par <beside, beyond>oxy <sharp>sm <noun suffix>par <beside, beyond>oxy <sharp>sm <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word paroxysm originates from Greek paroxysmos ("irritation, exacerbation"), combining para- ("beyond") and oxys ("sharp"). It originally described a sudden intensification of disease symptoms, later extending metaphorically to emotional or violent outbursts. The logic reflects a "sharpening beyond normal limits," capturing the abrupt, extreme nature of the phenomenon.

Examples

  1. She burst into a paroxysm of laughter at the unexpected joke.

  2. The patient experienced a paroxysm of coughing during the night.

  3. His speech provoked a paroxysm of anger among the crowd.

  4. The political scandal sent the media into a paroxysm of speculation.

  5. A paroxysm of grief overwhelmed her after the tragic news.