What are the meaning, origin and usage of the word paroxysm?

Paroxysm

The word paroxysm was first used in medicine and refers to either a severe fit, attack or a sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms of a disease. It does have a non-medical meaning as well and corresponds to a sudden, violent outburst of an action or emotion.

Origin

The use of the word, which has been around since the early 15th Century, has tapered to a minimum these days after enjoying the highs of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

The word is derived from the Old French paroxysme, Medieval Latin paroxysmus (irritation, fit of a disease) and Greek paroxysmos (irritation, exasperation). The non-medical sense of the word was seen in use from around 1600.

Usage:

His paroxysms of rage are a terrible sight to behold.

Picture Credit : Google

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *