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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.

“It actually was letting go of all of those technical things that I’ve learned and letting that inner child come out,” Worden says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Trying to put the decision in context, he described everyone's inner child as wanting to be loved, and said: "Cutting off a parent is getting rid of that chance of being loved."

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Luka Doncic’s ability to bridge the gap between inner child and outward seasoned veteran will define the Lakers’ success.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

"Are you crying already... because we are! Hello to the inner child in you jumping up and down because #F4 just reunited! Tour soon? We hope!"

From BBC • Jul. 14, 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