tantrum

American  

[tan-truhm] / ˈtæn trəm /

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 British  

/ ˈtæntrəm /

noun

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

---

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

Explanation

A tantrum is a short-lived fit of frustration. Kids have them. Politicians have them. Reality show stars have them. I bet even you have had one! To understand what tantrum means, stake out a supermarket and observe parents with toddlers. Soon, you will see a small child, incapable of expressing the complexities of why he or she really needs a lollipop, erupt into a full-blown tantrum. When people explode into tantrums, they no longer seem able to control their impulses. (I can’t have that lollipop or that place on the island? Well, I’m going to FREAK OUT!) Even the most mature of us are susceptible to tantrums when we are tired, hungry or discouraged.

Example Sentences

The rise of gentle parenting added emotional complexity to this labor, turning every toddler tantrum into an opportunity for a measured lesson in self-regulation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The little tantrum he threw when asked about it before the Game 5 finale?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Considering the recent peak of 8.27 on March 27, the near 20% decline in the index in such a short span appears to be the sharpest drop since last April’s tariff tantrum.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The outperformance isn’t quite as stark nor as widespread as what investors witnessed back in the spring of 2025, as the market rocketed back from the April tariff tantrum.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Dad and I hadn’t really spoken since my whole Dr. Doris tantrum, and I knew he was pretty much handing me a gift-wrapped chance to make things better.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper