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paroxysm

1. (Science: medicine) The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions.

2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit. The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair. (south)

Origin: F. Paroxysme, Gr, fr. To sharpen, irritate; beside, beyond _ to sharpen, from sharp.