: the complex of physical injuries sustained by a grossly abused child
Word History
First Known Use
1962, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
battered child syndrome
noun
bat·tered child syndrome ˌbat-ərd-
: the complex of physical injuries (as fractures, hematomas, and contusions) that results from gross abuse (as by a parent) of a young child compare shaken baby syndrome
Legal Definition
battered child syndrome
noun
bat·tered child syn·drome
-ˈsin-ˌdrōm, -drəm
: the combination of grave physical injuries (as broken bones and bruises) that results from gross child abuse
Note: Evidence of battered child syndrome is often used to establish that a child's death was not accidental.