paroxysm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "paroxysm" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a sudden attack, convulsion, or fit of any kind. For example, "The crowd erupted in a paroxysm of joy when their team won the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those two articles, the first from 1955 and the second from 1933, show that public disquiet outrage even about bosses' earnings is as old as the executive dining room.The most recent great paroxysm in America was in the early 1990s, at the time when Graef Crystal published his book "In Search of Excess".

The Economist

Polls also showed, in the end, that Danes are more concerned about welfare than immigrants, although the two issues are often mixed in voters' minds.Europe is still in a paroxysm of anti-immigration anxiety, if not downright hostility.

The Economist

He thinks the protest is a paroxysm of rage that merely reveals the underlying weakness of his opponents.That infuriates France's unions.

The Economist

About 7,000 Zulus were killed in the initial paroxysm of his grief, and for a year no crops were planted, nor could milk the basis of the Zulu diet staple be used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In like manner, the figure of the Madonna in the Immaculate Conception (1607 14), originally in the Church of San Vicente, floats heavenward in a paroxysm of ecstasy supported by long, distorted angels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The press painted her as a gold-digger and she simmered quietly until the marriage hit the rocks, the soft-porn pictures hit the pages of The Sun, and Heather's frustration boiled over in one great pouty-mouthed paroxysm of rage.

Independent

At this he shrieks with laughter, a paroxysm of stress and relief.

Independent

But these look increasingly like the paroxysm of a dying giant – this is a 20th-century model of food distribution that isn't fit for today - too wasteful, too costly, and as we saw during the fuel blockade, too fragile, for an age in which food security, affordability and frugality will become new watchwords.

Independent

The Science Museum has not attempted faithful reconstructions of the above (a shame – a real-life, working Techno Trousers complete with remote control, would send all small boys into a paroxysm of joy) but has devised interactive games and "experiences" inside the Wallace house to encourage visitors to try their hand at inventing something.

Independent

Hence when Damian Lewis finally broke cover in 2012, using his normal, English accent to accept his Emmy for Homeland, he sent America into a paroxysm of shocked twitter comments including: "Wait... the guy from Homeland is British?"  Douglas may talk of a crisis, and Rafferty may write that "this is getting embarrassing".

Independent

As Gaza is devastated by a new paroxysm of violence, what has Israel achieved by its 26-day bombardment and ground intervention?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paroxysm" to describe a sudden, intense, and often violent outburst of emotion, activity, or disease. Ensure the context aligns with the word's implication of a temporary but powerful surge.

Common error

Avoid using "paroxysm" to describe mild or moderate events. The word carries a strong connotation of suddenness and intensity, so using it for less dramatic situations can sound hyperbolic or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "paroxysm" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a sudden, intense, and often uncontrollable outburst or attack. It describes a peak or culmination of activity, emotion, or physical symptoms. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, from grief to laughter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paroxysm" is a grammatically correct noun that describes a sudden and intense outburst, attack, or convulsion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Its connotations are typically negative, but it can also describe overwhelming joy or other powerful emotions. Primarily found in News & Media and Encyclopedias sources, "paroxysm" is best used to emphasize the abrupt and overwhelming nature of an event, ensuring the context aligns with its implication of a temporary but powerful surge. Understanding the intensity of "paroxysm" is crucial to avoiding misuse in milder situations. As the examples illustrate, "paroxysm" adds a layer of dramatic emphasis, making it a valuable word for impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden outburst

Replaces the medical or violent connotation of "paroxysm" with a more general expression of sudden, uncontrolled release.

violent convulsion

Emphasizes the physical, involuntary aspect of a "paroxysm", specifically a convulsive seizure.

sudden fit

A more informal and general term for a sudden attack or outburst, often of emotion or activity.

outbreak

Suggests a sudden and widespread occurrence, often of disease or violence, removing the internal or personal focus of "paroxysm".

spasm

Focuses on the involuntary muscular contraction aspect, similar to a convulsive "paroxysm".

eruption

Implies a sudden and forceful release, like a volcanic eruption or an emotional outburst, highlighting the explosive nature of "paroxysm".

flare-up

Describes a sudden worsening of a condition or situation, such as a disease or conflict, differing from "paroxysm" in its implication of recurrence.

surge

Conveys a sudden and powerful rush of something, such as emotion or energy, lacking the negative connotation often associated with "paroxysm".

fit of rage

Specifically refers to a sudden and intense outburst of anger, limiting the broader applicability of "paroxysm".

bout

Indicates a short period of intense activity or experience, such as a bout of coughing, differing from "paroxysm" in its broader range of applications.

FAQs

How can I use "paroxysm" in a sentence?

Use "paroxysm" to describe a sudden, intense outburst or attack. For example, "The country experienced a "paroxysm of violence" after the election results were announced."

What words can I use instead of "paroxysm"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "paroxysm" include "sudden outburst", "violent convulsion", or "sudden fit".

Is it correct to use "paroxysm" to describe a feeling of joy?

Yes, "paroxysm" can be used to describe an overwhelming feeling of joy, though it's more commonly associated with negative emotions. For example, "The crowd erupted in a "paroxysm of joy" when their team won."

What is the difference between "paroxysm" and "spasm"?

"Paroxysm" generally refers to a sudden and intense outburst of emotion, activity, or disease, while "spasm" specifically refers to an involuntary muscular contraction. Although both describe sudden events, "spasm" has a more limited and physical meaning.