throw a tantrum
Have a fit
To throw a tantrum is to have an outburst of anger or frustration, typically involving crying, screaming, or uncontrolled behavior.
The phrase originally describes what toddlers do when overwhelmed, but adults throw tantrums too: He threw a tantrum when the flight was delayed.
The expression always implies the reaction is disproportionate or childish.
Intense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
- outburstSudden emotional release
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
- blowupSudden fit of rage
flare-up · seething · livid · fuming · incensed · wrath · explosion · temper
Childishly bad-tempered
- brattyIll-mannered like children
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- whinyInclined to complain
- poutySullen in expression
immature · juvenile · infantile · sulking · fussy · cranky · willful · impulsive
Uncontrollable emotional outburst
- theatricsExaggerated dramatic behavior
- sceneDramatic unit or locale
- spectacleVisually striking event
- overreactionDisproportionate emotional response
exaggeration · melodrama · performance · attention-seeking · histrionics · wailing · shrieking · flailing
Intense weary annoyance
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- impatienceIntolerance of delay
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
vexation · displeasure · discontent · indignation · overwhelmed · triggered · pent-up · stressed
rage
Intense, violent anger
blowup · flare-up · seething · livid · fuming · incensed · wrath · explosion · temper · aggression
petulant
Childishly bad-tempered
pouty · immature · juvenile · infantile · sulking · fussy · cranky · willful · impulsive · peevish
hysterics
Uncontrollable emotional outburst
overreaction · exaggeration · melodrama · performance · attention-seeking · histrionics · wailing · shrieking · flailing · kicking
exasperation
Intense weary annoyance
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
- annoyanceState of being bothered
- impatienceIntolerance of delay
agitation · vexation · displeasure · discontent · indignation · overwhelmed · triggered · pent-up · stressed · overstimulated
commotion
Noisy, confused disturbance
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
- ruckusNoisy, disruptive commotion
- disturbanceDisruption of order
chaos · turmoil · pandemonium · bedlam · fracas · havoc · clamor · noisy · unruly · out-of-control
- anger expressionssee red, seeing red, lose your temper, blow a fuse, blow a gasket
throw a tantrumkeep one's cool
Maintain emotional control
hold it together · bite one's tongue · stay calm · stay cool · keep cool
throw a tantrumroll with the punches
Cope with adversity flexibly
grin and bear it · shrug it off · let it go · acquiesce · take it on the chin
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