Word Study
tantrum
CIDE DICTIONARY
tantrum, n.
- A whim; an affected air. Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
- A display of ill-humor, especially a demonstration of rage or frustration by shouting or violent physical movements, such as the stamping of feet; called also
temper tantrum . It is usually associated with children, but is sometimes seen in adults. [PJC] - A display of anger expressed by irrationally striking out at innocent targets or inanimate objects; as, the governor was so insulted by the article, he threw a temper tantrum and cancelled the ceremony. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
tantrum, n. an outburst of bad temper or petulance (threw a tantrum).
Etymology
18th c.: orig. unkn.
THESAURUS
tantrum
cat fit, conniption, conniption fit, convulsion, duck fit, eruption, explosion, fit, fit of anger, fit of temper, flare-up, fury, outburst, paddy, paroxysm, rage, storm, temper tantrum, waxFor further exploring for "tantrum" in Webster Dictionary Online