'Paroxysm' definitions:

Definition of 'paroxysm'

From: WordNet
noun
A sudden uncontrollable attack; "a paroxysm of giggling"; "a fit of coughing"; "convulsions of laughter" [syn: paroxysm, fit, convulsion]

Definition of 'Paroxysm'

From: GCIDE
  • Paroxysm \Par"ox*ysm\, n. [F. paroxysme, Gr. ?, fr. ? to sharpen, irritate; para` beside, beyond + ? to sharpen, from ? sharp.]
  • 1. (Med.) The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit. [1913 Webster]
  • The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair. --South. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'paroxysm'

From: Moby Thesaurus