Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - paroxysm

 noun  Etymology: Middle English paroxism, from Medieval Latin ~us, from Greek ~os, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp — more at oxygen  Date: 15th century  1. a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) ; convulsion a ~ of coughing  2. a sudden violent emotion or action ; outburst a ~ of rage  • ~al adjective