Par"ox*ysm (?), n. [F. paroxysme, Gr. , fr. to sharpen, irritate; 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.
© Webster 1913.