temper tantrum
Americannoun
Usage
What does temper tantrum mean? A temper tantrum is an angry outburst by someone who has lost their temper in reaction to something they didn’t want to happen. The word tantrum by itself means the same thing. Temper 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 temper tantrum. The phrase is typically 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. Temper tantrum is often used with the verb throw, as in My son threw a temper tantrum right in the middle of the store. Example: I work in customer service, so I’m used to dealing with temper tantrums from people who don’t get their way.
Etymology
Origin of temper tantrum
First recorded in 1925–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The joint amicus brief called the department labelling Anthropic a risk "a potentially ruinous sanction" for businesses and little more than a "temper tantrum".
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
But this dissent is not just a theatrical temper tantrum; it is a cry for help.
From Slate • Nov. 20, 2025
Mets relief pitcher Jorge López threw a temper tantrum during a blowout loss to the Dodgers on Wednesday.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024
“He throws an absolute temper tantrum, talking about revenge,” she said.
From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2024
Ear folded his ears as a small boy began to throw a temper tantrum by the candy machine.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
