conniptions
Fits of agitation
Conniptions are fits of rage, panic, or hysterical emotion—usually appearing in the phrase have conniptions or throw conniptions.
The word is informal and often hyperbolic, describing an exaggerated reaction to something upsetting: My mother will have conniptions when she sees this mess.
The singular conniption appears less often but means the same thing.
Proper or healthy
- outburstSudden emotional release
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
- explosionViolent burst of energy
- blowupSudden fit of rage
scene · episode · flare-up · hissy fit · rage · fury · tirade · eruption
Violent mental agitation
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- hysteriaUncontrollable emotional excess
- flusterAgitated confusion
- tizzyAgitated emotional state
dither · lather · stew · sweat · worked up · beside oneself · frantic · frazzled
Overstating beyond reality
- melodramaSensational, emotionally overwrought drama
- theatricsExaggerated dramatic behavior
- histrionicsExaggerated emotional behavior
- dramaTheatrical art or turmoil
fuss · commotion · uproar · hullabaloo · brouhaha · kerfuffle · tempest in a teapot · catastrophizing
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
- indignationAnger from mistreatment
aggravation · displeasure · impatience · fed up · at wit's end · last straw · blood boiling · seeing red
fit
Proper or healthy
- outburstSudden emotional release
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
- explosionViolent burst of energy
blowup · scene · episode · flare-up · hissy fit · rage · fury · tirade · eruption · paroxysm
frenzy
Violent mental agitation
tizzy · dither · lather · stew · sweat · worked up · beside oneself · frantic · frazzled · unglued
exaggeration
Overstating beyond reality
- melodramaSensational, emotionally overwrought drama
- theatricsExaggerated dramatic behavior
- histrionicsExaggerated emotional behavior
drama · fuss · commotion · uproar · hullabaloo · brouhaha · kerfuffle · tempest in a teapot · catastrophizing · alarmism
frustration
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- vexationFrustrated annoyance
indignation · aggravation · displeasure · impatience · fed up · at wit's end · last straw · blood boiling · seeing red · hot under the collar
conniptionscalm
Free from agitation
composure · serenity · equanimity · tranquility · placidity
conniptionsrestraint
Control over impulses
self-control · measured response · cool-headedness · taking it in stride · keeping one's cool
- conniption fitsViolent emotional outbursts