Word of the Day: Paroxysm

by Daniel Scocco

A paroxysm is a sudden outburst of something, a violent emotion. It can also refer to the exacerbation of a disease.

Contemplating the economic rubble from our most recent paroxysm of enthusiasm, I wonder whether we should do something about our blind passions. (NY Times)

For now, there will be a paroxysm of anger and mourning. But then Serbia has a choice: sulk for decades in impotent resentment, or take the European road to national reconstruction. It will be many years before Kosovo takes its seat at the United Nations. Russia, as a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, can and will block it. (LA Times)