Definition of paroxysm

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par·ox·ysm    (prk-szm) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A sudden outburst of emotion or action: a paroxysm of laughter.
2. 1. A sudden attack, recurrence, or intensification of a disease.
   2. A spasm or fit; a convulsion.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English paroxism, periodic attack of a disease, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxusmos, from paroxnein, to stimulate, irritate : para-, intensive pref. ; see para-¹ + oxnein, to goad, sharpen (from oxus, sharp; see ak- in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
parox·ysmal  (-k-szml) KEY (Adjective), parox·ysmal·ly(Adverb)