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tantrum

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temper tantrum

An extreme and childish display of unreasonable anger, frustration, or distemper. I can't believe you threw a temper tantrum like that just because I didn't want to go see some movie with you! Becca's been having really bad temper tantrums lately. I guess she's just going into the "terrible twos."

See also: tantrum, temper

throw a tantrum

to have a temper tantrum; to put on an active display of childish temper. I never dreamed that Bob would throw a tantrum right there in the department store. You must be so embarrassed!

See also: tantrum, throw

throw a (temper) tantrum

to become very angry and unreasonable When you are a grown-up, you don't throw a tantrum if something offends you, you discuss it.

Usage notes: usually the anger is expressed by shouting and crying

See also: tantrum, throw