WORD OF THE DAY: Paroxysm

Posted on October 25, 2016 ·
paroxysm Audio Pronunciation
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\PAR-uh k-siz-uh m\
noun
1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage.
2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
Quotes
But oh, ye powers! into what a paroxysm of passion did each new outrage of the Yankees throw the choleric little governor!
— Washington Irving, A History of New York, 1809
Filed Under: WORD OF THE DAY