infantilism

noun

in·​fan·​til·​ism in-ˈfan-tə-ˌli-zəm  ˈin-fən-tə-ˌli-  -fən-ˌtī-ˌli- 

1

: retention of childish physical, mental, or emotional qualities in adult life

especially : failure to attain sexual maturity

2

: an act or expression that indicates lack of maturity

Examples of infantilism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This would have caused Beijing’s infantilism to become a national embarrassment — a weak nation’s idea of national strength. — George Will, National Review, 17 Oct. 2019

Contemporary cinematographic literature is the result of progressive infantilism of content and the narrowing of perspective. — Isabel Coixet, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 June 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for infantilism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Kids Definition

infantilism

noun

in·​fan·​til·​ism ˈin-fən-ˌtīl-ˌiz-əm 

-tə-ˌliz-;

in-ˈfan-tᵊl-ˌiz-

: childish qualities or behavior in an adult

Medical Definition

infantilism

noun

in·​fan·​til·​ism ˈin-fən-ˌtīl-ˌiz-əm  -tə-ˌliz-; in-ˈfan-tᵊl-ˌiz- 

: retention of childish physical, mental, or emotional qualities in adult life

especially : failure to attain sexual maturity