Par″ox‐ysm (?), n. [F. paroxysme, Gr. �, fr. � to sharpen, irritate; παρά 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.
2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit.
The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair. South.