Paroxysm

paroxysm \ˈpa-rək-ˌsi-zəm\ noun: 1. a fit, attack or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease); convulsion {a paroxysm of coughing},
2. a sudden violent emotion or action; outburst {a paroxysm of rage}

Etymology: Middle English paroxism, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp

“Dead! Dead!” moaned Villefort in a paroxysm of grief which the novelty of such a feeling in this heart of stone made all the more terrible. — Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo