n. [ F. paroxysme, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to sharpen, irritate; para` beside, beyond + &unr_; to sharpen, from &unr_; sharp. ] 1. (Med.) The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit. [ 1913 Webster ]
The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair. South. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Of the nature of a paroxysm; characterized or accompanied by paroxysms; as, a paroxysmal pain; paroxysmal temper. -- Par`ox*ys"mal*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]