Main Entry: par·ox·ysm

Pronunciation: \ˈpa-rək-ˌsi-zəm also pə-ˈräk-\

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 \ˌpa-rək-ˈsiz-məl also pə-ˌräk-\ adjective