(from the Greek paroxysmos – irritation, excitation) –
1) Acutely occurring, usually transient, disorder of the function of any organs or systems of the body; attack or sudden exacerbation of the disease. In temporary medical terminology, the concept is used mainly in the form of the adjective “paroxysmal”, i.e. occurring suddenly, in the form of an attack.
2) Short-term violent emotion (for example, paroxysm of laughter, anger).