Word-Wise. Paroxysm

Say that ten times real fast, I dare ya!

from JoeUser Forums

Word of the Day for Friday, October 5, 2007

paroxysm \PAIR-uhk-siz-uhm\, noun:

1. (Medicine) A sudden attack, intensification, or recurrence of a disease.
2. Any sudden and violent emotion or action; an outburst; a fit.

misc
5,608 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

My paroxysm occurred when I discovered the word for today.

And is there a reason paroxysm rhymes with EXORCISM?  hahahahaha

Perhaps they look the same?  Same family?  Hmmmmm.

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I've always seen it used as in the phrase "a paroxysm of laughter". Most people, when noticing others who are fit to be described with the term, usually think the other person needs an exorcism...

That or a straight-jacket.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
On Friday, I had a paroxysm of anal glaucoma.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
... I can't use that word in a sentence or I might have a paroxysm.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paroxysm.

~Zoo
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I had a redoubtable paroxysm after I was distrait about my medication.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ugh! paroxysm. a ten dollar word to be sure...

And all this time I've just been calling it havin' a shit-fit.   
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
I had a redoubtable paroxysm after I was distrait about my medication.


Extra credit for using all 3!
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
Paroxysm - what a great word. I don't know if I could use it in a sentence. Like Roy, I have my own term for this: 'chucking a wobbly'. Means the same thing, though.