noun

paroxysm

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Paroxysm (noun) means a sudden worsening of an illness, such as a fit of coughing or a seizure.

noun

A sudden worsening of an illness, such as a fit of coughing or a seizure.

A sudden, strong burst of feeling or activity, or the most intense point of something.

"The Russian soldier left a trail of blood and devastated lives in a last paroxysm of violence only hours before Russian troops began withdrawing." — Carlotta Gall, In Bucha, a final rampage served as a coda to a month of atrocities (2022)

"He was capable of mighty paroxysms of righteous indignation, and he was indignant as could be when he learned that a C.I.D. man was in the area looking for him." — Joseph Heller, McWatt (1961)

A sudden, heated burst of arguing.

A violent natural event, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption, especially its most explosive moment.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

This word came into English from Late Middle English paroxism, paroxisme ("period of worsening of a disease, attack; sudden recurrent fever"), from Middle French paroxisme, paroxysme, and Old French peroxime ("period of worsening of a disease; bout of fever or illness") (modern French paroxysme), all going back to their common source, Late Latin paroxismus, paroxysmus ("a fit; onset of a disease; violent impulse or sadness"), from Ancient Greek πᾰροξῠσμός (păroxŭsmós, "exasperation, irritation; severe fit of a disease"), from πᾰροξῡ́νω (păroxū́nō, "to irritate, provoke") — itself from παρα- (para-, prefix meaning 'parallel to but separate from or going beyond, beside') plus ὀξῡ́νω (oxū́nō, "to provoke; to sharpen"), from ὀξῠ́ς (oxŭ́s, "sharp"), probably ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- ("sharp") — plus -μός (-mós, a suffix forming abstract nouns). Looked at by its surface form, it is para- plus oxy- plus -ism.

Synonyms

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fit convulsion apex climax acme apogee zenith culmination

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of paroxysm?

"paroxysm" (noun) means a sudden worsening of an illness, such as a fit of coughing or a seizure.

What is another word for paroxysm?

Other words for "paroxysm" include fit, convulsion, apex, climax, acme, apogee.

What are the different meanings of paroxysm?

"paroxysm" has 3 main meanings: 1. A sudden worsening of an illness, such as a fit of coughing or a seizure; 2. A sudden, strong burst of feeling or activity, or the most intense point of something; 3. A sudden, heated burst of arguing.

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