Paroxysm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paroxysm

[หˆpรฆrษ™ksษชzษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sudden outburst

A paroxysm is a sudden and intense expression of an emotion or activity. It often refers to a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular feeling, such as anger or laughter. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, including health, where it may describe a sudden recurrence of symptoms.

Synonyms

attack, episode, fit, outburst, spasm.

Examples of usage

  • She had a paroxysm of laughter at the joke.
  • His anger resulted in a paroxysm of rage.
  • The patient experienced a paroxysm of coughing.
  • In moments of stress, he would often have paroxysms of anxiety.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Paroxysms can be linked to emotional disorders where individuals may experience sudden mood swings or fits.
  • In psychotherapy, understanding triggers for such intense outbursts is often a key focus in helping individuals manage their emotions.
  • These bursts may often be followed by feelings of relief or exhaustion, making emotional regulation an important aspect of mental health.

Literature

  • The term is often used in literary contexts to describe dramatic emotional moments, emphasizing sudden changes in a characterโ€™s state.
  • In poetry, paroxysms can represent the climax of intense feelings, adding a dynamic tension to works.
  • Famous authors, like Shakespeare, utilized similar outbursts in their characters to convey depth and complexity of emotions.

Medicine

  • In medicine, a paroxysm can refer to sudden attacks or increases in disease symptoms, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly.
  • Certain conditions, like epilepsy, may manifest through paroxysmal episodes, where the individual suddenly experiences convulsive seizures.
  • Understanding paroxysms in a medical context helps in diagnosing and managing various symptoms effectively.

Pop Culture

  • In various films and television shows, characters often experience paroxysms of laughter or rage, serving as critical turning points in the narrative.
  • Stand-up comedy often plays with the concept of paroxysm, as comedians aim for spontaneous reactions from the audience during their routines.
  • The term has found its way into music, representing climactic moments in lyrics where emotions reach their peak.

Origin of 'paroxysm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek 'paroxysmos,' meaning 'to stimulate' or 'irritate,' reflecting its association with sudden bursts.
  • It made its way into Latin as 'paroxismus' before entering English in the late 16th century.
  • The Greek root can be broken down into 'para' (beside) and 'oxus' (sharp), suggesting a sharp disturbance on the side of calmness.

The term 'paroxysm' originates from the Greek word 'paroxysmos', which means 'to irritate' or 'to provoke'. The prefix 'para-' means 'beside' or 'along', while the root 'oxus' refers to 'sharp' or 'keen'. This combination reflects the idea of a sharp or intense reaction. The word entered the English language in the late 15th century, primarily used in medical contexts to describe a sudden increase in the severity of a disease or a sudden emotional outburst. Over the centuries, the use of 'paroxysm' expanded to include broader contexts, emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of an event, whether it be emotional, physical, or symptomatic.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,037, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.