A tantrum, conniption, angry outburst[1], temper tantrum, lash out, meltdown, fit of anger, or hissy fit is an emotional outburst, [2][3][4] usually associated with those in emotional distress.

The meaning of TANTRUM is a fit of bad temper. How to use tantrum in a sentence.

A toddler in a playgroup watches as a peer has a temper tantrum after an adult has taken away the peer's toy.

tantrum (ˈtæntrəm) n (often plural) a childish fit of rage; outburst of bad temper [C18: of unknown origin]

Mar 11, 2026 · Tantrum behavior is a sudden, intense emotional outburst that occurs when a young child becomes overwhelmed by frustration, anger, or disappointment and lacks the brain …

a sudden short period of angry, unreasonable behaviour, especially in a child. Children often have temper tantrums at the age of two or thereabouts. They claimed she threw tantrums and was difficult …

If a child has a tantrum, they lose their temper in a noisy and uncontrolled way. If you say that an adult is throwing a tantrum, you are criticizing them for losing their temper and acting in a childish way.

Feb 2, 2026 · tantrum (third-person singular simple present tantrums, present participle tantruming or tantrumming, simple past and past participle tantrumed or tantrummed) (intransitive) To throw a …

a burst of bad temper: a two-year-old child having a tantrum. tan•trum (tan′ trəm), n. a sudden burst of ill temper. In Lists: Family, marriage story, T, more... Synonyms: temper tantrum, fit, hissy fit, blowup, …

TANTRUM definition: a violent demonstration of rage or frustration; a sudden burst of ill temper. See examples of tantrum used in a sentence.