Par"ox*ysm (?), n. [F. paroxysme,
Gr. ?, fr. ? to sharpen, irritate; para` 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.