tantrum
Americannoun
verb (used without object)
noun
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
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.
As I stood there holding onto my net and watching that monkey throw a tantrum, I figured out what it was that he was trying to tell me.
From Literature
Opal folded her lower lip down so that she looked like a large toddler on the verge of a tantrum.
From Literature
It’s also an unforgiving portrait of the daughter, who is far from sympathetic as she whines, throws tantrums and makes endless demands.
From Los Angeles Times
Nvidia now sits at less than 24, after hitting its lowest point since last April’s tariff tantrum earlier this month.
He had planned to save his parents’ juice until he was desperate, but Abby was thirsty and she would be certain to have a tantrum if she didn’t get something to drink.
From Literature
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.
