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

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

Double-digit earnings growth and significant hedging by traders could mean a rerun of the rebound seen after last year’s Tariff Tantrum.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Tirade policy: The Art of the Tantrum approach to exports and imports.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2018

Black and white may be her go-to combination, but the lone lady Tantrum more than makes up for it by rocking pops of color from the neck up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2015

Of course, while we know that stocks threw a Taper Tantrum back in May/June 2013 when then-Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed would eventual reduce its Quantitative Easing program…

From Forbes • Mar. 12, 2015

Gold had been discovered on the Tantrum land, and the stranger, Edgar Edison, was trying to buy the land for a song.

From Tales of the Jazz Age by Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis Scott)

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper