par·ox·ysm 
/ˈperəkˌsɪzəm/ noun
plural par·ox·ysms /ˈperəkˌsɪzəm/ noun [count] 1 medical : a sudden attack or increase of symptoms of a disease (such as pain, coughing, shaking, etc.) that often occurs again and again — usually + of ▪ paroxysms of pain/coughing 2 formal : a sudden strong feeling or expression of emotion that cannot be controlled
▪ a paroxysm of rage ▪ He went into paroxysms of laughter.
▪ a paroxysm of rage ▪ He went into paroxysms of laughter.
