tantrum

American  

[tan-truhm] / ˈtæn trəm /

noun

tantrums plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• tantrums
  plural

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

See Examples For:

tantrum tantrums

Casting Luddites as anti-technology has mired a historical labor uprising as a destructive tantrum thrown by fearful, hidebound cranks.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

But unlike the penalty kick Messi missed in North America 10 years ago in the Copa America, this one didn’t provoke a retirement tantrum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

This rip-roaring AI-powered bull market has already overcome a handful of potentially existential challenges, from the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank to last year’s tariff tantrum.

From MarketWatch ● May 20, 2026

She said that, while they were alone, she tried to speak to him about "bringing everything up" with the onscreen experts but he "threw a temper tantrum and threatened to leave".

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

The guard, a short girl with purple hair, throws her gun to the ground in a tantrum.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Its reality format allows for perfect projection and escapism: no coordinating specialists and home care agencies, certainly no paternal tantrums.

From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026

The president in this book never curses, even when throwing backroom tantrums.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

Aboveground, Clark is trapped in his own resentments, throwing temper tantrums like a toddler.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

The child then feels more involved and aware of what is coming, even if they don't necessarily like it - meaning hopefully fewer tantrums.

From BBC ● Jan. 21, 2026

“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?”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper