battered child syndrome

noun

the array of physical injuries exhibited by young children who have been beaten repeatedly or otherwise abused by their parents or guardians.

Origin of battered child syndrome

First recorded in 1960–65

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

battered child syndrome in Medicine

battered child syndrome

n.

A combination of continuing, often serious physical injuries, such as bruises, scratches, hematomas, burns, or malnutrition, inflicted on a child through gross abuse usually by parents, guardians, or other individuals.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.