Paroxysm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paroxysm
[หpรฆrษksษชzษm ]
Definition
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 characterโs 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.