paroxysm

Violent emotional eruption

A paroxysm is a sudden, violent outburst or attack—whether of emotion, pain, or physical symptoms.

Someone might suffer a paroxysm of coughing, laughter, or rage.

The word suggests intensity that erupts and then subsides: She was seized by paroxysms of grief.

In medical contexts, it describes acute episodes of disease symptoms.

medical

convulsion

Sudden involuntary muscle contractions

  • spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
  • seizureForcible taking or convulsion
  • fitProper or healthy

tremor · twitching · contraction · myoclonus · shudder · tic · epileptic · tonic-clonic · coughing fit · asthma attack

outburst

tantrum

Uncontrolled display of frustration

conniption · fit · eruption · storm · tempest · fury · rage · screaming · yelling · violence

intensity

spasm

Involuntary muscle contraction

  • surgeSudden powerful increase
  • waveOscillating motion through medium
  • burstBreak apart suddenly

peak · climax · crescendo · torrent · rush · fit · flash · spell · episode · acute

emotional

rage

Intense, violent anger

  • furyIntense violent anger
  • griefIntense sorrow from loss
  • anguishIntense mental suffering

hysteria · despair · sobbing · weeping · laughter · jealousy · anger · terror · panic · ecstasy

Categories
Opposites
intensity and violence of manifestation

paroxysmcalm

Free from agitation

tranquillity · tranquility · calmness · peace · peacefulness

temporal pattern

paroxysmslow burn

Gradual buildup of rage

steady state · chronic condition · constancy · continuity · even keel

emotional control

paroxysmself-control

Ability to restrain impulses

composure · restraint · self-possession · equanimity · sangfroid

Family

paroxysms

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG