# tantrum

/ˈtæntɹəm/ (US) · /tˈɑːntɹəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tantrum
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He made a tantrum" but "He threw a tantrum" — English uses the collocation 'throw a tantrum' or 'have a tantrum' rather than 'make'.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.