fit2

 
Pronunciation: /fɪt/

noun

  • 1a sudden attack of convulsions and/or loss of consciousness, typical of epilepsy and some other medical conditions: the child had frequent fits
  • 2a sudden short period of uncontrollable coughing, laughter, etc..
  • a sudden burst of intense emotion: he had killed her in a fit of jealous rage

verb

[no object]
  • have an epileptic fit: he started fitting uncontrollably

Phrases

give someone a fit

informal greatly shock or anger someone.

have (or throw) a fit

informal be very shocked or angry.

in fits (of laughter)

informal highly amused: he had us all in fits

in (or by) fits and starts

with irregular bursts of activity: the economy was recovering in fits and starts

Origin:

Old English fitt 'conflict', in Middle English 'position of danger or excitement', also 'short period'; the sense 'sudden attack of illness' dates from the mid 16th century