tantrum /tan′trəm/ , a sudden outburst or violent display of rage, frustration, and bad temper, usually occurring in a maladjusted child and certain emotionally disturbed people. The activity is usually not directed at anyone or anything specific but toward the environment in general and is used primarily as a device for attempting to control others and the surroundings. It most commonly occurs at age 2 to 2½ years. Also called temper tantrum.
