English Reference
Noun

tantrum

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈtæntɹəm/ UK /tˈɑːntɹəm/ tantrum UK spelling tantrum's, tantrum's

n.a sudden period of uncontrolled anger, usually in a child. It often involves crying, screaming, or kicking the floor because you cannot get what you want.

n.an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically occurring in young children. Often involves physical displays such as screaming or flailing.


SIMPLE

The toddler had a tantrum because he wanted more juice.

CONTEXTUAL

When the store ran out of the specific toy he wanted, the child threw a massive tantrum in the middle of the aisle.

COMPLEX

While common in early childhood development, a tantrum in an adult is generally viewed as a significant failure of emotional regulation and social decorum.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'throw' or 'have'.

Pitfall
He made a tantrumHe threw a tantrum

English uses the collocation 'throw a tantrum' or 'have a tantrum' rather than 'make'.

Toddler tantrums have more behind them than you might think.

The Conversation· 21 Jul 2026

From earlier tanterum. Further etymology unknown.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated