Webster's English Dictionary

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paroxysm

par.ox.ysm \'par-*k-.siz-*m\ \.par-*k-'siz-m*l\ n [F & ML; F paroxysme, fr. 
   ML paroxysmus, fr. Gk paroxysmos, f]r. paroxynein to stimulate, fr. para- + 
   oxynein to provoke, fr. oxys sharp - more at OXYGEN 1: a sudden attack (as 
   of a disease) or sharp recurrence or increase of sym ptoms : CONVULSION 2: 
   a sudden violent emotion or action  - par.ox.ys.mal aj