Paroxysm /(?)/

Par·ox·ysm

Paroxysm

n.
  1. The fit, attack, or exacerbation, of a disease that occurs at intervals, or has decided remissions or intermissions. (Med.)
  2. Any sudden and violent emotion; spasmodic passion or action; a convulsion; a fit.
    The returning paroxysms of diffidence and despair.