Paroxysmal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paroxysmal
[ˌpærəkˈsɪzməl ]
Definition
medical term
Paroxysmal refers to sudden and intense occurrences or episodes of a particular type, often in a medical context. It commonly describes fits, seizures, or attacks that arise unexpectedly. These episodes can vary in duration and intensity, making the condition seem unpredictable. The term emphasizes the episodic nature of the phenomena being described, contrasting with more chronic or continuous states.
Synonyms
episodic, intermittent, recurring.
Examples of usage
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia can cause rapid heart rates.
- Patients may experience paroxysmal coughing fits.
- The paroxysmal nature of her migraines made them difficult to manage.
- He suffers from paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea while sleeping.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, paroxysmal reactions can indicate extreme emotional responses, like joy or anger.
- Paroxysmal behavior is often linked to mental disorders, where someone may react explosively to stresses.
- Therapists may help people manage such outbursts through techniques to regulate emotions.
Medicine
- In medicine, paroxysmal refers to sudden episodes of symptoms, such as pain or seizures.
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a condition where people have trouble breathing at night, revealing the sudden nature of the term.
- Doctors often monitor for paroxysmal symptoms to diagnose various health issues quickly.
Literature
- The word has been used in classic literature to describe characters experiencing sudden emotional shifts.
- Poets often play with paroxysmal feelings to illustrate intense moments in their work.
- In stories, a paroxysmal reaction can be a turning point for characters, leading to significant developments.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often exhibit paroxysmal reactions during climactic scenes for dramatic effect.
- Music can evoke paroxysmal feelings, causing people to dance or cry unexpectedly at concerts.
- Social media moments can often lead to paroxysmal responses, with users reacting strongly in the heat of the moment.
Origin of 'paroxysmal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'paroxysmos', meaning 'to irritate or provoke'.
- It first appeared in English in the early 1800s, often used in medical contexts.
- The root 'paroxys' means a sudden attack or increase, which influenced its current meaning.
The word 'paroxysmal' originates from the Latin term 'paroxysmus,' which means a sudden outburst or fit, derived further from the Greek word 'paroxysmos,' indicating a sudden increase in intensity or severity. 'Paroxysmus' itself stems from 'paroxyein,' meaning to irritate or provoke, consisting of 'para-' (beside or against) and 'oxyēs' (sharp). The term was first used in the medical field to describe sudden and severe episodes of symptoms, notably in connection with diseases characterized by attacks, such as epilepsy and certain cardiovascular conditions. Over time, its usage expanded beyond medical vernacular to describe various abrupt events or emotions in different contexts, retaining its connotation of suddenness and intensity. Today, 'paroxysmal' not only applies to medical conditions but also metaphorically describes sudden emotional outburst, reinforcing its dual usage in both health-related and broader descriptive contexts.