changeoftemper

noun

UK /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈtɛmpə/

US /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈtɛmpər/

A change of temper is when someone's mood suddenly switches from happy to angry or the other way around.

After his nap, the toddler had a change of temper and started laughing again.

SYNONYMS

mood swing shift in mood temper flare emotional shift

RELATED WORDS

mood temper outburst irritability disposition

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A sudden shift in the usual hardness or flexibility of a metal after heating and cooling.

The blacksmith noticed a change of temper in the blade after quenching it.

3. A change in the mixture or consistency of a substance, such as clay or paint.

Adding water caused a change of temper in the clay, making it easier to mold.

4. A shift in the tuning or pitch of a musical instrument.

The old piano had a change of temper after being moved to a colder room.