'paroxysm' originates from Late Latin 'paroxysmus', ultimately from Greek 'paroxysmos' (παροξυσμός), where the verb 'paroxunein' meant 'to sharpen, irritate'.

'paroxysm' changed from Greek 'paroxysmos' to Late Latin 'paroxysmus', passed into Medieval/Modern Latin and then Middle English, becoming the modern English 'paroxysm'.

Initially, it meant 'a sharpening or irritation' (in a physical or figurative sense), but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'a sudden attack or violent outburst' (medical or emotional).