Dictionary
par•ox•ysm
Pronunciation: (par'uk-siz"um), [key]—
n.
1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion:
paroxysms of rage.
2. Pathol.a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.