a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of disease symptoms; a convulsion
a paroxysm of coughing
a sudden violent emotion or action
a paroxysm of rage
paroxysmal /-ʹsizməl/ adj
[via French and late Latin from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, exasperate, from para-1 + oxynein to sharpen]