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

She didn’t throw a tantrum in protest.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet a whole bunch of men are throwing a tantrum and voting for a party that makes empty promises that they don't have to learn to be better because women can be forced into compliance.

From Salon

It's resulting in a major tantrum in right-wing media, with Republican pundits accusing women of somehow betraying men by voting for Harris.

From Salon

Last year, Do demanded that LAist fire Gerda for allegedly using falsified tax returns in his reporting, a tantrum that went nowhere because it wasn’t true.

From Los Angeles Times

Comparing liberals to a 15-year-old girl who slams her bedroom door in a tantrum, Carlson waxed poetic about the sexualized abuse of a minor.

From Salon

Related Words

• flare-up
• outburst
• temper