tantrum

American  

[tan-truhm] / ˈtæn trəm /

noun

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

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verb (used without object)

1. to have a tantrum.

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

tantrum British  

/ ˈtæntrəm /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of tantrum

First recorded in 1740–50; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Nvidia now sits at less than 24, after hitting its lowest point since last April’s tariff tantrum earlier this month.

From The Wall Street Journal

He had planned to save his parents’ juice until he was desperate, but Abby was thirsty and she would be certain to have a tantrum if she didn’t get something to drink.

From Literature

“There’s a real issue here. It isn’t just a market tantrum.”

From Barron's

But commenters on social media have turned the accusation back on Altman, with some likening his post to "the digital equivalent of a toddler throwing a tantrum".

From BBC

In summary, the most recent “tariff tantrum” brought out the heavy sellers, many of which were probably nervous longs, looking for a place to take profits on older holdings.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper