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Synonyms

inner child

American  
  1. the childlike aspect of a person's psyche, especially when viewed as an independent entity.

    healing your inner child through psychotherapy.


inner child British  

noun

  1. psychol the part of the psyche believed to retain feelings as they were experienced in childhood

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

"The games make us reminisce about our childhood... not only can we be healthier, but we can also enjoy that nostalgic feeling with our inner child," Akira said.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

"My inner child suddenly returned, all the sore muscles disappeared, and I feel happy. Very happy," said Intan.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Chainey said he tried to portray them as "the inner child locked away in all of us", drawn to mud, mischief and the thrill of breaking rules.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

“That song is about somebody’s inner child being in the middle of a labyrinth, and you’re trying to find them so you can convince them that you’re in love,” Jesso tells me.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2025

I guess there’s a weird part of my inner child that just can’t seem to let go of the idea of a mother who cares.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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