tantrum

[ tan-truhm ]

noun

1. a violent demonstration of rage or frustration; a sudden burst of ill temper.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a tantrum:

   Don't give in to your grandson every time he tantrums.

tantrum

/ ˈtæntrəm /

noun

1. often plural a childish fit of rage; outburst of bad temper

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantrum¹

First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tantrum¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

No wonder I recently had a claustrophobic tantrum and walked out of my house so I could sit alone in my car in the dark for 30 minutes.

From Washington Post

Those early philosophers sought logical explanations for things like thunderstorms, rather than attributing them to Zeus throwing temper tantrums in the form of thunderbolts.

From Science News

Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney, 51, went childlike tantrum on being unable to go outside and play in the yard at Florida State, even when such possibilities and responsibilities always hovered over the misshapen season.

From Washington Post

As a parent coach, I am confident that your daughter will learn to read and write and do arithmetic, but the crying, tantrums and fighting are more worrisome.

From Washington Post

Her angry tantrums have always been an issue, but they've gotten worse since we've been staying at home.

From Washington Post

Whether the country or the courts buy into his imperial tantrum remains to be seen.

From The Daily Beast

Just a few months ago my 3-year-old son, mid-tantrum, broke my grasp to run from me in a crowded subway station.

From The Daily Beast

Any argument I try to hold comes tumbling out in the form of a whiny temper tantrum.

From The Daily Beast

An 8-year-old girl in Missouri was held in a police car for two hours after throwing a temper tantrum in March.

From The Daily Beast

This year, however, the tantrum has continued, and the words have become increasingly dire.

From The Daily Beast

You probably saved my life, for you can't tell what a half-wit will do, when in a tantrum and armed with a knife.

From Project Gutenberg

Her voice soared shrilly to match the heights of her tantrum.

From Project Gutenberg

He's not had a tantrum or a whining fit since you made friends.

From Project Gutenberg

"I may be obliged to have a tantrum," said Colin regretfully.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course Dr. Craven had been sent for the morning after Colin had had his tantrum.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper

More About Tantrum

What does tantrum mean?

A tantrum is an angry outburst by someone who has lost their temper in reaction to something they didn’t want to happen. The term temper tantrum means the same thing.

Tantrums are often loud and they can be violent. A child kicking and screaming in response to being told to turn off the TV is having a tantrum.

The term is often used to refer to an outburst by a young child, especially a toddler. But it can also be used to refer to an outburst by an adult. When used this way, it’s intended to criticize the person for being unreasonable and acting like a child.

Tantrum is often used with the verb throw, as in My son threw a tantrum right in the middle of the store.

Less commonly, tantrum can be used as a verb meaning to throw a tantrum, as in She tantrums when she doesn’t get a treat. 

Example: I work in customer service, so I’m used to dealing with tantrums from people who don’t get their way.

Where does tantrum come from?

The first records of the word tantrum come from the 1700s, but its ultimate origin is uncertain.

If you’ve ever seen a toddler erupt in screams of rage and start stomping and rolling around over not getting something they wanted, you’ve witnessed a tantrum. Young children are still learning how to manage their emotions, so it’s common for them to have occasional temper tantrums, even over things that don’t seem like a big deal. When an adult throws a tantrum, it may not involve literal yelling and screaming—an angry social media post in ALL CAPS over some minor problem might be called a tantrum. Saying that an adult is throwing a tantrum is always intended to be a criticism of that person.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for tantrum?

• temper tantrum
• fit
• outburst

What are some words that often get used in discussing tantrum?

• throw
• have
• public
• child
• toddler
• kid
• kick
• scream

How is tantrum used in real life?

Children sometimes throw tantrums when they don’t get what they want. When the term is applied to an outburst by an adult, it’s used in a critical way that’s intended to imply that that person is acting like a child.

Today on “Things my toddler is throwing a tantrum over”

Not being able to be the “driver” because she’s not old enough or big enough…

— Leatherface, but in drag (@SethAaronforeal) March 17, 2019

[playground]

Other dad: Which kid is yours?

Me: *looks at 2-year-old throwing temper tantrum for no reason* I don't remember.

— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) February 21, 2017

I sense the people claiming masks are an attack on their freedom are the very same people who claim millennials/liberals are the ‘snowflakes’

You're having a public tantrum over having to wear one (1) bit of cloth for the duration of your visit to a shop. State of you

— Samantha Shannon (@say_shannon) September 19, 2020

 

 

Try using tantrum!

Is tantrum used correctly in the following sentence?

I just saw a customer throw a tantrum at the server because the restaurant was out of ketchup.