Definition of paroxysm
1
: a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : convulsion
a paroxysm of coughing convulsed … in the paroxysms of an epileptic seizure— Thomas Hardy
2
: a sudden violent emotion or action : outburst
a paroxysm of rage a paroxysm of laughter
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of paroxysm was in the 15th century
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