had a fit
/hæd ə fɪt/
VERB
1. Becoming extremely angry
To suddenly become extremely angry, lose one's temper, or react with an intense emotional outburst, often because of frustration, disappointment, or annoyance.
1.1. Anger and emotional outbursts
Used when someone reacts to an upsetting situation with intense anger, loses emotional control, or expresses strong irritation through shouting, complaining, or aggressive behavior.
Synonyms
- blew up
- flew into a rage
- flew off the handle
- went ballistic
- blew a gasket
- hit the ceiling
- hit the roof
- raged
- fumed
- seethed
- exploded
- snapped
- stormed
- fulminated
- got enraged
Antonyms
- chilled out
- relaxed
- simmered down
Examples
- She had a fit when she saw the mess in the living room.
- The toddler had a fit when his favorite toy went missing.
- The coach had a fit after the team's unexpected defeat.
- The customer had a fit when the store ran out of the desired product.
- He had a fit when he discovered that someone had damaged his car.
Related Words
1.2. Expressing anger through speech or behavior
Used when someone expresses intense anger through shouting, ranting, furious complaints, hostile remarks, or visibly aggressive reactions.
Synonyms
- ranted
- raved
- vented
- snarled
- vituperated
- glowered
- glared
- sputtered
- blew up
Antonyms
- hushed
- relaxed
- chilled out
Examples
- He had a fit during the meeting, loudly criticizing everyone's decisions.
- She had a fit and ranted about the unfair treatment she had received.
- The manager had a fit when he discovered the repeated mistakes.
Related Words
1.3. Experiencing intense agitation and frustration
Used when someone becomes visibly agitated, irritated, or emotionally worked up, often displaying signs of suppressed anger or mounting frustration.
Synonyms
- bristled
- burned
- burnt
- fumed
- seethed
- smoldered
- smouldered
- steamed
- sizzled
- flashed
Antonyms
- relaxed
- chilled out
- simmered down
Examples
- She had a fit of anger when she realized how much money had been wasted.
- He had a fit after hearing the insulting remarks.
- The employee had a fit of frustration over the repeated delays.
Related Words
VERB
2. Experiencing an uncontrollable burst of laughter
To suddenly begin laughing intensely or uncontrollably, often because something is extremely funny or unexpected.
2.1. Laughter and amusement
Used when someone experiences a sudden and intense episode of laughter that is difficult to control, rather than an angry emotional outburst.
Synonyms
- burst out laughing
- cracked up
- doubled over laughing
- howled with laughter
- roared with laughter
- laughed uncontrollably
- died laughing
Antonyms
- hushed
- stopped laughing
Examples
- During the meeting, he unexpectedly had a fit of laughter.
- She had a fit of laughter when her friend told the hilarious story.
- The children had a fit of laughter while watching the comedy show.