a sudden state of anger or frustration, often displayed by shouting or crying
example
After being told he couldn't have a cookie before dinner, the toddler threw a tantrum, crying and shouting until his parents gave in.
synonyms
outburstfitepisode
word origin — The origin of 'tantrum' is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the early 19th century, possibly from the word 'tantrum' used in a context of a childish rage.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 103
Set 103 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: tantrum, lassitude, inkling, contortion, scapegoat. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
tantrum · noun/ˈtæn.trəm/
a sudden state of anger or frustration, often displayed by shouting or crying
After being told he couldn't have a cookie before dinner, the toddler threw a tantrum, crying and shouting until his parents gave in.
Synonyms: outburst, fit, episode
Origin: The origin of 'tantrum' is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the early 19th century, possibly from the word 'tantrum' used in a context of a childish rage.
lassitude · noun/ˈlæsɪˌtud/
state of mental or physical weariness or lack of energy
After a long week of exhausting work, I was overcome by a profound sense of lassitude that made it difficult to concentrate on anything.
Synonyms: fatigue, languor, tiredness
Origin: From Latin 'lassitudo', related to 'lassus' meaning 'weary'
inkling · noun/ˈɪŋklɪŋ/
a slight knowledge or suspicion about something
She had an inkling that her friend was hiding something important from her.
Synonyms: hint, suspicion, notion
Origin: The word 'inkling' originated in the late 14th century, deriving from the Middle English term 'inklinge' meaning 'a slight knowledge, hint', which is a diminutive form of 'inklen', meaning 'to hint or suggest'.
contortion · noun/kənˈtɔrʃən/
a twisting or bending of the body or its parts
The gymnast's remarkable contortion allowed her to perform astonishing routines that left the audience in awe.
Synonyms: deformation, twist, bend
Origin: from Latin 'contortio', from 'contorquere', meaning 'to twist together'
scapegoat · noun/ˈskeɪpɡoʊt/
someone who is unfairly blamed for problems or misdeeds
After the project failed, the team leader became the scapegoat for all the mistakes made along the way.
Synonyms: fall guy, whipping boy, victim
Origin: The term 'scapegoat' originally comes from the Bible, specifically the Book of Leviticus, where a goat was sent into the wilderness after the high priest symbolically placed the sins of the people upon it.