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.