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

Corporations buying back their own shares have gotten some of the credit for fueling the stock market’s record-setting comeback from the April tariff tantrum.

Read more on MarketWatch

They do - only their tantrums are even bigger!

Read more on Space Scoop

“Savages! I was in the middle of getting dressed! Why are you having your tantrums here, and not in the nursery? Where is the governess?”

Read more on Literature

“I fail to see how three mere children, no matter how Incorrigible, could do so much damage. Just thinking about it makes me feel perilously close to having a tantrum!”

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Across the country, the newly-formed Tea Party was staging a tantrum, and giving the media the thrilling political theater they craved.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• flare-up 
• outburst 
• temper 

When To Use

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.