infantilize
verb (used with object)
to keep in or reduce to an infantile state.
infantilization
-
a word derived from
infantilize.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By treating actual adults—the chat participants weren’t teenagers—with kid gloves, they contribute to the cultural malady of infantilization.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025
The infantilization of Sarah Jo is never fully developed within “Sharp Stick”; she exists as she is and — outside of the film’s welcome tonal and thematic elements — we are never fully sure why.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2022
As Slate's Evan Urquhart has pointed out, transmasculine folks often face infantilization, stemming from people holding onto feminized perceptions of them.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2021
The “good, close” relationship you believe you have with your parents is totally dependent on your continued compliance and forced infantilization.
From Slate ● Feb. 13, 2020
Now, however, we were at the ceremonial crossroads between our infantilization and our investiture with life-and-death powers.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
