Definition of paroxysm

paroxysmnoun

paroxysm

/ˈpærəksɪzəm//ˈpærəksɪzəm/

The word "paroxysm" comes from the ancient Greek language, specifically the words "para" meaning "beside" or "beyond," and "oxus" meaning "sharp" or "painfully intense." This word first gained popularity in medical terminology during the Renaissance, specifically in reference to seizures or fits. In this context, paroxysm referred to a sudden, intense, and abnormal episode of a medical condition. Over time, the use of paroxysm has expanded beyond medical terminology to describe extreme or intense episodes of emotions, feelings, or experiences, such as laughter or joy. Overall, the origins of this word reveal its original connection to sudden, intense, and extreme experiences, demonstrating its continued relevance in modern language and the human experience.

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a sudden strong feeling or expression of an emotion that cannot be controlled

một cảm giác mạnh mẽ đột ngột hoặc biểu hiện của một cảm xúc không thể kiểm soát được

Example:
  • paroxysms of hate

    sự căm ghét tột độ

  • a paroxysm of laughter

    một cơn cười kịch liệt

a sudden short attack of pain, causing physical shaking that cannot be controlled

một cơn đau ngắn đột ngột, gây ra sự run rẩy về thể chất không thể kiểm soát được

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