Paroxysm
/ˈpær.ək.sɪz.əm/noun
A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity.
Did you know?Originally rooted in the medical realm, 'paroxysm' described sudden fits or seizures, echoing the unpredictability of human emotions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
paroxysmus
“A sudden attack or increase in symptoms, often of a disease.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
paroxysmos
“A fit, attack, or convulsion.”
Greek
Ancient Greek
παροξυσμός (paroxusmos)
“A sharp or sudden increase, especially of emotion.”
14th Century
Middle English
paroxisme
“A sudden emotional outburst or fit.”
Modern English
English
paroxysm
“A sudden violent expression of a particular emotion.”
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