Advertisement
Advertisement
paroxysm
[ par-uhk-siz-uhm, puh-rok‐ ]
noun
- any sudden, uncontrollable outburst; a fit of emotion or action: a paroxysm of laughter; The war unleashed a paroxysm of violence.
paroxysms of rage;
a paroxysm of laughter;
a paroxysm of coughing;
The war unleashed a paroxysm of violence.
- Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
paroxysm
/ ˈpærəkˌsɪzəm /
noun
- an uncontrollable outburst
a paroxysm of giggling
- pathol
- a sudden attack or recurrence of a disease
- any fit or convulsion
Discover More
Derived Forms
- ˌparoxˈysmally, adverb
- ˌparoxˈysmal, adjective
Discover More
Other Words From
- par·ox·ys·mal [par-, uh, k-, siz, -m, uh, l, p, uh, -rok‐] par·ox·ys·mic [par-, uh, k-, siz, -mik, p, uh, -rok‐] adjective
- hy·per·par·ox·ysm noun
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of paroxysm1
Discover More
Example Sentences
The current global paroxysm is intense and alarming, but it is a tremor not an earthquake.
In a paroxysm of rage and fear, he gave the final order, and the Well of Cawnpore thereby attained its ghastly immortality.
Pincher, who followed close at her heels, gave an ominous growl, and burst off into a fresh paroxysm of barking.
When about eight years old, in a paroxysm of ferocious hate, she pushed her brother Charles into the Bievre, where he was drowned.
I cry, in a paroxysm of sudden fear, pressing my hot lips upon her face.
Patients suffering from delirium tremens, for instance, may die suddenly in the midst of a paroxysm of excitement.
Advertisement
Discover More
Related Words
Word of the Day
[ak-suh-lot-l ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse