paroxysm
What does "paroxysm" mean?
A paroxysm is a sudden, violent outburst or a fit of intense emotion or physical activity. Imagine a dam breaking or a sudden, uncontrollable surge of energy—it represents a peak of intensity that is brief, overwhelming, and often involuntary, such as a coughing fit or a sudden eruption of laughter. In usage, the word is most frequently associated with medical contexts, specifically describing recurring symptoms like seizures or spasms. Outside of medicine, it is used to describe dramatic displays of human emotion, such as a paroxysm of rage or grief. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is best reserved for moments of extreme, uncontrollable intensity.
"paroxysm" in conversation
Medical diagnosis
The patient suffered a paroxysm of coughing that lasted nearly three minutes.
The patient suffered a paroxysm of coughing that lasted nearly three minutes.
I’ll document that in the chart immediately.
I’ll document that in the chart immediately.
Used here in its clinical sense to describe a sudden, recurrent symptom.
Debating a movie scene
Her performance was incredible when she finally gave in to a paroxysm of grief.
Her performance was incredible when she finally gave in to a paroxysm of grief.
It was raw and difficult to watch, but it felt so authentic.
It was raw and difficult to watch, but it felt so authentic.
Used here to describe a powerful, overwhelming emotional release.
"paroxysm" in a sentence
He was seized by a paroxysm of coughing.
He was seized by a paroxysm of coughing.
The crowd erupted into a paroxysm of laughter at his witty remark.
The crowd erupted into a paroxysm of laughter at his witty remark.
Driven by a paroxysm of rage, he threw the vase against the wall.
Driven by a paroxysm of rage, he threw the vase against the wall.
