Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
ˌmən-ˈchau̇-
variants or Munchausen's syndrome
ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zənz- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
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 In court, it was argued that Gypsy was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 It was believed by many to be a case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy — a form of child abuse in which a caregiver might induce illness to draw public sympathy, care, concern and material gifts — and the saga captured the collective interest. Maya Salam, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2024 Blanchard has alleged that her mother had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which a caretaker fabricates medical conditions to gain sympathy. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 Jan. 2024 In court, it was argued Gypsy was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse that involves a parent or guardian exaggerating or inducing illness to gain sympathy. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 6 Jan. 2024 Experts believe Dee Dee had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological illness in which perpetrators — often parents — project fake illnesses onto victims — often their children — to receive attention or material items out of sympathy for the victim. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2024 Dee Dee Blanchard seems to have had a psychological disorder called Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which a parent or other caregiver seeks attention from medical professionals by causing or fabricating signs or symptoms of illness in a child. Chris Vognar, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2024 Dee Dee had put Gypsy Rose through years of unnecessary surgeries and medications, as well as physical and psychological abuse, in what experts after the fact determined was an extreme case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024 In court, it was argued Gypsy was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Munchausen syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Munchausen syndrome was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near Munchausen syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Munchausen syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Munchausen%20syndrome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

Munchausen syndrome

noun
Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
variants or Munchausen's syndrome
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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