Paroxysm

Quick meaning: Paroxysm is a noun meaning Chiefly followed by of: a sudden outburst of violent activity or feeling; also, the most severe part of an activity or incident; the climax.

Meaning

Chiefly followed by of: a sudden outburst of violent activity or feeling; also, the most severe part of an activity or incident; the climax.

More Meanings

1. An outburst of a violent argument or disagreement.
2. Disastrous or sudden change.
3. (countable, medicine) A period (especially one of several recurring periods) during the course of an illness when symptoms worsen; a sudden attack of a disease symptom, such as a bout of coughing or a seizure.
4. A violent occurrence of a natural phenomenon, such as an earthquake, thunderstorm, or volcanic eruption; specifically (volcanology), the most explosive event during a series of volcanic eruptions.

Example Sentences

Againe; I feare a paroxiſme.

[I]n his Paroxyſms, as he vvalked the Streets, he vvould have his Pockets loaden vvith Stones, to pelt at the Signs.

If prevented by force, the screams she sometimes uttered in her paroxysms of rage were fearful, and must inevitably be heard.

The slightest effort made the patient cough. He would stand leaning on a stick and holding a hand to his side, and when the paroxysm had passed it left him shaking.

Word Forms

• paroxysms
• paroxism

Synonyms for paroxysm

Depending on context, synonyms include exacervation, fit, acme, apex, zenith, apogee.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include fit, access, superoutburst, explosion, apoplexy, outgush.

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