paroxysm

paroxysm

noun

Definition of PAROXYSM

1

a sudden intense expression of strong feeling <a paroxysm of laughter greeted the pratfall>

Synonyms agony, blaze, burst, ebullition, eruption, explosion, fit, flare, flare-up, flash, flush, gale, gush, gust, paroxysm, spasm, storm

Related Words blowup, grouch, rage, tantrum; ecstasy, rapture, transport; delirium, firestorm, frenzy, furor

2

a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order) <Darwin's introduction of the theory of evolution created paroxysms in both religion and science that are still being felt today>

Synonyms bouleversement, cataclysm, earthquake, paroxysm, storm, tempest, tumult, upheaval, uproar

Related Words insurgency, insurrection, mutiny, overthrow, overturn, rebellion, revolt, revolution, subversion, unrest, uprising, upset; fit, seizure, spasm; eruption, flare-up, outbreak, outburst; bluster, bobbery, bustle, coil, commotion, furor, furore, fuss, hubbub, hullabaloo, hurly-burly, pandemonium, rout, row, ruckus, ruction, rumpus, shindy, squall, stew, stir, to-do, turmoil, welter, williwaw; quaking, rocking, shaking, trembling