Definition

Noun: 1. A sudden, violent, and often uncontrollable attack or outburst of a particular emotion, activity, or symptom. It describes an intense, sharp, and usually brief episode. * Example: She was overcome by a paroxysm of grief when she heard the news. * Example: The patient experienced a paroxysm of coughing that lasted several minutes.

Usage

• Grammatical Role: Used exclusively as a countable noun.
• Typical Contexts: Most commonly used in medical contexts to describe a sudden attack or worsening of a disease symptom (e.g., coughing, pain, fever). It is also used figuratively to describe a sudden, intense burst of emotion (e.g., laughter, anger, jealousy) or activity.
• Common Collocations: .

Examples

• The comedian's joke sent the audience into paroxysms of laughter.
• The economic crisis triggered a paroxysm of panic selling on the stock exchange.
• His argument was interrupted by a severe paroxysm of asthma.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in/into paroxysms of...": To be experiencing or to be sent into a state of violent emotion or activity.
  • The baby was in paroxysms of tears after dropping its toy.
  • The scandal threw the political establishment into paroxysms of self-righteous fury.

Variants and Related Words

• Paroxysmal (adjective): Characterized by or resembling a paroxysm; occurring in sudden, periodic attacks.
  • He suffered from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Synonyms

• Fit: A sudden attack or outburst.
• Spasm: A sudden, involuntary muscular contraction; often used figuratively for a brief, intense period.
• Outburst: A sudden release of strong emotion.
• Seizure: A sudden attack of illness, especially a stroke or an epileptic fit.
• Convulsion: A violent, involuntary contraction of muscles; a fit.

Antonyms

• Calm
• Tranquility
• Repose

Notes on Meaning

• The word emphasizes suddenness, intensity, and lack of control. It is not used for mild or gradual occurrences.
• While often negative (pain, coughing, rage), it can be used for positive but overwhelming emotions like laughter or joy, highlighting their uncontrollable nature.

Noun

1. a sudden uncontrollable attack
   • a paroxysm of giggling
   • a fit of coughing
   • convulsions of laughter