paroxysm

Meaning

1. A random or sudden outburst (of activity).
2. An explosive event during a volcanic eruption.
3. A sudden recurrence of a disease, such as a seizure or a coughing fit.

Synonyms

fit

convulsion

seizure

outburst

outbreak

explosion

attack

👊

episode

flurry

gust

ictus

pitch

spasm

spot

spree

touch

coin money

infantile convulsion

infantile discase

insultus

bluster

bout

burst

cramp

detonation

ebullition

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpæ.ɹək.ˌsɪ.zəm/

Etymology

From French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus (“severe illness, fit of agony, paroxysm”), from Ancient Greek παροξυσμός (paroxusmós, “irritation, the severe fit of a disease”). Analyzable as para- + oxy- + -ism.