Phrase guide

throw a fit

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I'd love to stay later, but my mother will throw a fit if I'm not home by 10.
  • He will throw a fit if his car breaks down.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

get very angry and fly into a rage

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The professor combusted when the student didn't know the answer to a very elementary question
  • Spam makes me go ballistic

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: flip one's lid, blow up, hit the roof, hit the ceiling, have kittens, have a fit, combust, blow one's stack, fly off the handle, flip one's wig, lose one's temper, blow a fuse, go ballistic

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: rage

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.