tantrum

USAGE SUMMARY

'tantrum' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to a violent and sudden outburst of temper, usually by a child. Example: The three-year-old threw a tantrum when his mother told him he had to go to bed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then Sarkozy turned up five minutes before the event was due to begin and threw a tantrum: he had just discovered he was in a debate, he claimed, moreover a debate with a journalist, of all things.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the first election where newspapers don't matter, and what we're watching is an industry-wide tantrum.

The Guardian

Tharp threw a tantrum and swore she'd never work with ABT again.

The Guardian

He hasn't thrown a public tantrum in years.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is reading the same story 873 times, and enduring a tantrum when you have the temerity to finish your child's sentence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, the first time he came to the attention was in the 19th minute when he was cautioned after throwing a tantrum when the referee ordered a German free-kick to be retaken because the defensive wall had not retreated the proper distance.

The Guardian - Sport

And when his pouting teammate Kyle Busch threw a temper tantrum last week, blaming Hamlin for costing Busch a shot at victory in the All-Star race, Hamlin coolly dismissed him.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather than take all these allegations seriously, the Telegraph has written a temper tantrum in the form of an editorial, lashing out at "the BBC, the Guardian and their ideological soulmates in the Labour party".

The Guardian - Opinion

It worked out quite well, as I haven't had a toothpaste-induced tantrum for around 20 years.

The Guardian - Tech

If you've ever met a child, or had a child, or watched a child throw a full-blown tantrum on an aeroplane because it didn't particularly care for any of the in-flight meal options, you'll know that they are all inherently rightwing.

The Guardian

They could not love him more now #pmqs — Iain Martin (@iainmartin1) May 14 , 2014Cameron turning a winning hand into a losing hand here with temper tantrum on Pfizer etc #PMQs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an adult's behavior, consider using stronger terms like "outburst" or "rage" instead of "tantrum", which is often associated with children.

Common error

Avoid using "tantrum" to describe mild frustration. The term implies a significant loss of control and a marked display of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The noun "tantrum" functions as a descriptor of a sudden outburst of anger or frustration. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from children's behavior to political reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tantrum" is a common noun used to describe a sudden display of anger or frustration, often associated with children but applicable to adults as well. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The term appears frequently in News & Media, signifying its relevance in describing various events, from political reactions to personal behaviors. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to consider the context and intensity when using "tantrum", opting for stronger or more formal alternatives like "emotional outburst" or "fit of rage" in appropriate settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hissy fit

An informal synonym, often implying a petty or exaggerated reaction.

emotional outburst

Focuses on the emotional display, not necessarily childish behavior.

outburst of anger

General term for a sudden expression of anger, not necessarily childish.

sudden rage

Highlights the suddenness and intensity of the anger.

fit of rage

Suggests a more intense and uncontrolled anger than a typical "tantrum".

uncontrolled anger

Focuses on the lack of control, emphasizing the intensity of the emotion.

temperamental display

Highlights the display of a volatile temperament, which can be less intense than a "tantrum".

unruly outburst

Emphasizes the lack of discipline and control in the emotional display.

emotional storm

A metaphorical description of a strong emotional upheaval.

display of pique

Suggests a milder, often petulant, expression of annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "tantrum" in a sentence?

You can use "tantrum" to describe a sudden outburst of anger or frustration, typically in children. For example, "The child threw a "tantrum" in the store because he didn't get a toy."

What's a more formal alternative to "tantrum"?

In a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "emotional outburst" or "fit of rage", depending on the intensity you want to convey.

What are common synonyms for "tantrum"?

Common synonyms include "hissy fit", "fit", or "conniption", though these are often informal.

Is "tantrum" only used for children?

While "tantrum" is most often associated with children, it can be used to describe similar behavior in adults, though it may imply immaturity or a lack of emotional control.