tantrum
This term describes a sudden, explosive loss of emotional control. While it is most frequently used to describe the behavior of toddlers who lack the verbal skills to express frustration, applying the word to an adult carries a strong pejorative connotation, implying that the person is behaving in a childish, irrational, or immature manner.
Because it describes a discrete event with a beginning and an end, it is treated as a countable noun. It is commonly paired with verbs of action like throw or have, emphasizing the performative and disruptive nature of the outburst.
Meanings
An uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically characterized by screaming and crying, often associated with young children.
The toddler threw a massive tantrum in the middle of the grocery store.