Word
tantrum
US/ˈtæntɹəm/
UK/tˈɑːntɹəm/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The toddler had a tantrum because he wanted more juice.”
“When the store ran out of the specific toy he wanted, the child threw a massive tantrum in the middle of the aisle.”
“While common in early childhood development, a tantrum in an adult is generally viewed as a significant failure of emotional regulation and social decorum.”
Examples
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 tantrum
He threw a tantrum
English uses the collocation 'throw a tantrum' or 'have a tantrum' rather than 'make'.
Real-World Examples
“Her eldest son was throwing a tantrum, and Rosie found herself wrestling with a familiar worry.” “Toddler tantrums have more behind them than you might think.” Etymology
From earlier tanterum. Further etymology unknown.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. have a tantrum
02. throw a tantrum
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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