Pār'ox-ŷsm, n.

n. [Gr. παραξυσμός, from παραξύνειν, to sharpen, irritate, from παρά, beside, beyond, and ὀξύνειν, to sharpen, from ὀξύς, sharp; N. Lat. paroxysmus, Fr. paroxisme, Pr. paroxisme, Sp. & Pg. paroxismo, It. parossismo, parossismo.

1. (Med.) The fit, attack, or exacerbation of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions.
2. Hence, any sudden and violent action; spasmodic affection or action; convulsion; fit. “Harassed with the returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair.” South.