conniption
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of conniption
An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; origin uncertain
Explanation
Don’t have a conniption! Here’s the definition — a conniption is a temper tantrum, and it’s not just for toddlers. "Don't have a conniption" is another way of saying, "Take it easy. Don't throw a fit." Conniptions are fits or tantrums. A screaming toddler is a perfect example of a conniption, but adults who lose their tempers have conniptions too. People have conniptions when they lose their cool and can't control themselves. If you’ve been waiting in line for two hours then someone jumps ahead and takes the last cupcake, go ahead and have a conniption.
Vocabulary lists containing conniption
Genesis Begins Again
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The Bean Trees
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Butterfly Yellow
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Virginia Rep. Bob Good, who threw a conniption fit at McCarthy behind closed doors this week, is also looking no-ey, as is Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale.
From Slate • Nov. 19, 2022
Then the museum’s collection manager had a conniption.
From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2022
Last year he threw a succession of theatrical conniption fits over state and local regulations aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2021
He noted the differences in their styles: Abby sits, while Artis could work himself into a conniption, doing windmills and banging the spoons off his head and jaw.
From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2018
Penelope did not know if a conniption fit was a serious medical condition, but it certainly sounded unpleasant to endure, and even worse to witness.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
