Conniption

A sudden outburst of uncontrolled anger, panic, or excitement; a fit of rage. It's a display of strong emotions, often involving shouting, crying, or flailing. The word suggests a temporary loss of composure and a dramatic reaction to a stressful or frustrating situation. The behavior is often considered childish or disproportionate to the trigger. A conniption is typically a short-lived emotional episode, though the lasting effects can vary depending on the severity of the outburst and the circumstances surrounding it. It implies a disruption in normal behavior stemming from deep emotional distress.

Conniption meaning with examples

• When the airline announced the flight was delayed for six hours, the passenger threw a conniption, demanding a refund and yelling at the gate agent. The agent calmly explained the situation, but the man continued to express his frustration with no sign of stopping.
• Little Timmy had a conniption in the candy aisle when his mother wouldn't buy him the giant lollipop he wanted. He started stomping his feet, screaming, and rolling on the floor, attracting the attention of everyone in the store.
• After losing the championship game, the team's star player had a conniption in the locker room, smashing equipment and shouting obscenities. The coach and teammates eventually calmed him down, but it was clear he was overwhelmed.
• The elderly woman had a conniption when she realized she had misplaced her purse in the store, and made a scene, worrying the employees and her companions alike. She felt a sudden loss of control over her surroundings.