1. sudden violent attacks or outbursts of a particular emotion or activity
Usage: plural of paroxysm
2. sudden attacks or violent expressions of a disease or medical condition
Usage: medical; plural of paroxysm

Examples

• She was overcome by paroxysms of grief at the funeral.
• The comedian’s jokes sent the audience into paroxysms of laughter.
• He experienced paroxysms of coughing throughout the night.
• The patient suffered from paroxysms of pain in her joints.
• Paroxysms of rage made him difficult to reason with.
• The fever came in paroxysms, leaving her exhausted.
• His paroxysms of jealousy destroyed their relationship.