paroxysm — a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpærəksɪzəm/
Korean meaning: 격발, 발작적 감정 폭발
Korean pronunciation: 패-럭-시즘 (강세: 패)
Example Sentences
- The comedian's terrible joke caused a paroxysm of awkward silence in the audience.
- My grandmother went into a paroxysm of joy when she saw her favorite K-pop idol on TV.
- The news of the surprise test sent the students into paroxysms of panic.
paroxysm
NOUN//ˈpærəksɪzəm//
a sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity
Sudden violent outburst of rage
A paroxysm of fear causes a spasm at the chasm's edge!
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek paroxysmos, derived from paroxynein meaning 'to sharpen' or 'to irritate.' The word combines para- (beside, beyond) and oxynein (to sharpen), originally used in medical contexts to describe sudden exacerbations of disease symptoms.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The comedian's terrible joke caused a paroxysm of awkward silence in the audience.”
“My grandmother went into a paroxysm of joy when she saw her favorite K-pop idol on TV.”
“The news of the surprise test sent the students into paroxysms of panic.”
“His paroxysm of sneezing during the quiet library study session was mortifying.”
“The patient's paroxysms became less frequent after starting the new medication.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.