infantilism

American  

[in-fuhn-tl-iz-uhm, -tahy-liz-, in-fan-tl-iz-uhm] / ˈɪn fən tlˌɪz əm, -taɪˌlɪz-, ɪnˈfæn tlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the persistence in an adult of markedly childish anatomical, physiological, or psychological characteristics.

2. an infantile act, trait, etc., especially in an adult.

3. a speech disorder characterized by speech and voice patterns that are typical of very young children.

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infantilism British  

/ ɪnˈfæntɪˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. psychol

   1. a condition in which an older child or adult is mentally or physically undeveloped

   2. isolated instances of infantile behaviour in mature persons

2. childish speech; baby talk

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Etymology

Origin of infantilism

First recorded in 1890–95; infantile + -ism

Example Sentences

It’s a childish move, but in keeping with the infantilism that still shapes the brothers’ uneasy relationship and their awkwardness with outsiders, particularly women.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2021

But more than that, it will remind those who despair of America’s angry infantilism that we are a country of multiple voices, and a full range of temperaments.

From Washington Post • May 16, 2019

Not even Tolkien’s vast philological scholarship, his deep knowledge of mythology, and his world-building skills could impress what Moorcock and company saw as a troublesome infantilism inherent in Tolkien’s work.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 31, 2014

Even my son’s embarrassed by the infantilism of my tastes, but there’s some good stuff out there now.

From The Guardian • Oct. 25, 2014

Rickets, mucous disease, lienteric diarrhoea, infantilism, prolapse of the rectum, and infection with thread-worms are common complications.

From The Nervous Child by Cameron, Hector Charles

Related Words

• ignorance
• imperfection