Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- 

ˌmən-ˈchau̇-

variants or Munchausen's syndrome

ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zənz- 

ˌmən-ˈchau̇-

: a psychological disorder characterized by the intentional feigning, exaggeration, or induction of the symptoms of a disease or injury in order to undergo diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or medical or surgical treatment : factitious disorder imposed on self compare munchausen syndrome by proxy

Examples of Munchausen syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While medical child abuse, also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, is a real thing, Gasser’s attorney said that was not the case in her situation. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2025

According to Blanchard’s attorney, Michael Stanfield, Dee Dee Blanchard had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now known as factitious disorder imposed on another. —Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 9 June 2025

Without saying too much, the story taps into the Munchausen syndrome. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025

Blanchard, believed to be a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, was famously convicted of second-degree murder for her mother’s death. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Baron K. F. H. von Münchhausen †1797 German soldier and proverbial teller of exaggerated tales

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Munchausen syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- 

variants or Munchausen's syndrome

-zənz- 

: a psychological disorder characterized by the intentional feigning, exaggeration, or induction of the symptoms of a disease or injury in order to undergo diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or medical or surgical treatment : factitious disorder imposed on self compare munchausen syndrome by proxy