have a tantrum
Throw a fit
To have a tantrum is to throw a fit of uncontrolled anger or frustration, typically involving crying, screaming, or physical outbursts.
The phrase most often describes young children's meltdowns: The toddler had a tantrum in the grocery store.
Applied to adults, it's dismissive, implying childish behavior: He had a tantrum when his flight was delayed.
Loud, shrill vocalizing
- kickingStriking with foot
- flailingUncontrolled limb movement
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
explosion · eruption · fit · blowup · stomping · crying · sobbing · wailing
Intense, violent anger
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- furyIntense violent anger
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
irritation · annoyance · resentment · indignation · vexation · displeasure · agitation · impatience
Showing petulant displeasure
- whiningProlonged nasal complaining
- sulkingSilent, resentful withdrawal
- petulantChildishly bad-tempered
- immatureNot fully developed
spoiled · bratty · fussy · willful · obstinate · demanding · uncooperative · defiant
Not guided by reason
- disproportionateNot properly scaled
- overreactionDisproportionate emotional response
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
- impulsiveActing without deliberation
erratic · senseless · excessive · unwarranted · unprovoked · unjustified · hysterical · melodramatic
screaming
Loud, shrill vocalizing
meltdown · explosion · eruption · fit · blowup · stomping · crying · sobbing · wailing · thrashing
rage
Intense, violent anger
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- furyIntense violent anger
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
exasperation · irritation · annoyance · resentment · indignation · vexation · displeasure · agitation · impatience · discontent
pouting
Showing petulant displeasure
- whiningProlonged nasal complaining
- sulkingSilent, resentful withdrawal
- petulantChildishly bad-tempered
immature · spoiled · bratty · fussy · willful · obstinate · demanding · uncooperative · defiant · disobedient
unreasonable
Not guided by reason
- disproportionateNot properly scaled
- overreactionDisproportionate emotional response
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
impulsive · erratic · senseless · excessive · unwarranted · unprovoked · unjustified · hysterical · melodramatic · theatrical
have a tantrumstay calm
Remain unruffled
keep one's cool · stay cool · keep calm · hold it together · keep one's head
have a tantrumgrin and bear it
Endure hardship without complaint
roll with it · shrug it off · let it go · bite one's tongue · count to ten