Tantrum: meaning, definitions and examples

A tantrum is typically used to describe a sudden outburst of anger or frustration, usually by a child. It involves crying, screaming, or other disruptive behavior.

• The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket.
• She couldn't control her tantrum when told she couldn't have another cookie.

A meltdown is an intense and uncontrollable emotional reaction, often associated with being overwhelmed. It's frequently used to describe situations where someone cannot handle stress or sensory overload. This term is commonly used for both children and adults, including those on the autism spectrum.

• She had a meltdown after a long and stressful day at work.
• The child experienced a meltdown due to sensory overload in the busy shopping mall.

An outburst refers to a sudden release of strong emotion, such as anger or frustration. It can be used for both negative and positive emotions and is applicable to both adults and children.

• His sudden outburst of laughter took everyone by surprise.
• There was an outburst of anger during the heated debate.

A fit can describe a sudden burst of anger, illness (like a seizure), or other intense emotions. It can apply to both adults and children but is often used more broadly than 'tantrum'.

• Mark had a fit of rage when he found out the news.
• She went into a fit of coughing.

A hissy fit refers to a dramatic and exaggerated outburst of anger or frustration, often seen as petty. It is usually used in a somewhat mocking or dismissive way, often describing adults behaving childishly.

• He threw a hissy fit when he realized his favorite snack was gone.
• Don't have a hissy fit just because things didn't go your way.