Definitions of paroxysm

1. a sudden uncontrollable attack; " a paroxysm of giggling"; " a fit of coughing"

2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit.

3. A spasm, or fit of acute pain recurring at intervals; sudden outburst of emotion.

4. A fit of acute pain occurring at intervals: a fit of passion: any sudden violent action.

5. Paroxysmal.

6. Sudden fit of pain or passion.

7. A periodic attack of disease; a fit; convulsion.

8. A lit or exacerbation of any disease; any sudden violent spasm or action.

9. A fit of rage or passion; a recurring increase and exacerbation of a disease; in geol., any sudden and violent effort of natural agency, such as the explosive eruptions of a volcano, or the convulsive throes of an earthquake.