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Definition of infantilization

infantilization

/ɪnˌfæntɪləˈzeɪʃən/
(UK: infantilisation)
in · fan · ti · li · za · tion
Plural:infantilizations
•
Adjective:infantile
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infantilization Lexical Profile

infantilization Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or process of treating someone as a child or in a way that denies their maturity, autonomy, or responsibility.

Example

"Disability advocates frequently speak out against the societal infantilization of adults with physical impairments."

2

The retention of juvenile physical or behavioral characteristics into adulthood, or the prolonged state of childishness in an adult.

Example

"Cultural critics have argued that modern consumer entertainment encourages the gradual infantilization of the adult public."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for infantilization
Antonyms
View all antonyms for infantilization

• Rhymes for infantilization

• Nearby Words

infanthood
infanticide
infantile
infantilization
infantry
infantryman
infatuate

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'infantilize' plus the noun suffix '-ation', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'infans' (meaning 'unable to speak' or 'very young child').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Infantilization. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/infantilization
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