infantilism

in·fan·til·ism

I0125700 (ĭn′fən-tl-ĭz′əm, ĭn-făn′tl-) n. 1. The existence of juvenile physical or psychological characteristics in an adult, as from failure to develop secondary sexual characteristics. 2. a. Marked immaturity, as in behavior or character. b. An infantile act or remark. 3. A condition in which one desires to act or be treated like a baby, sometimes associated with a paraphilia.

infantilism

(ɪnˈfæntɪˌlɪzəm) n1. (Psychology) psychol a. a condition in which an older child or adult is mentally or physically undevelopedb. isolated instances of infantile behaviour in mature persons2. childish speech; baby talk

in•fan•ti•lism

(ˈɪn fən tlˌɪz əm, -taɪˌlɪz-, ɪnˈfæn tlˌɪz əm)

n. 1. the persistence in an adult of markedly childish anatomical, physiological, or psychological characteristics. 2. an infantile act, trait, etc.

infantilism

the condition of one who is not a child acting abnormally childlike. — infantility, n. — infantilistic, adj.See also: Psychology

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	infantilism - an abnormal condition in which an older child or adult retains infantile characteristicsabnormalcy, abnormality - an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficienciesateleiosis, ateliosis - a form of infantilism characterized by physical underdevelopment but normal intelligence
	2.	infantilism - infantile behavior in mature personsmisbehavior, misbehaviour, misdeed - improper or wicked or immoral behavior

Translations

infantilismo

Infantilism

infantilism

[′in·fən·tə‚liz·əm] (medicine) Persistence of physical, behavioral, or mental infantile characteristics into childhood, adolescence, or adult life.

Infantilism

arrested development, the preservation in adults of physical and mental characteristics of children. It may be caused by infectious diseases (tuberculosis, syphilis, malaria, or various recurrent infections), poisoning, diseases of the brain, cardiovascular system, and kidneys, or protracted intestinal disorders. Poor diet, vitamin deficiency, and unsanitary living conditions can also cause infantilism. Endocrine disorders and congenital constitutional defects are also related to its occurrence.

A distinction is made between universal infantilism (general retarded development of the entire body) and partial infantilism (retarded development of certain organs and systems). Individuals suffering from universal infantilism often retain the body proportions of a child. They have a delicate, frail physique, a long narrow chest, thin bones, a small heart, and a narrow aorta. Their blood pressure is low, and their secondary sex characteristics are not fully developed. Resistance to infectious diseases is low. Partial infantilism is characterized by dysfunctions of certain systems or organs.

Mental infantilism and sex infantilism are particulary common forms of partial infantilism. Mental infantilism is marked by extreme moodiness, inattentiveness, a tendency to daydream, suggestibility, touchiness, and timidity in the face of new situations. Judgments are shallow and hasty. Lightheartedness and frivolity are combined with egocentrism and childish insistence. Sex infantilism is characterized by sparse underarm and pubic hair. In females the breasts and uterus are underdeveloped, the pelvis is frequently narrow, and the menstrual periods are irregular. Females afflicted with infantilism are often infertile. Some suffer miscarriages or extrauterine pregnancies. Sex infantilism appears much less frequently in males. It is manifested by an underdevelopment of external and internal genitalia and of the prostate gland, an absence of sexual drive, and sexual dysfunction.

Treatment for infantilism includes the creation of sanitary conditions, adequate diet, and physical activity. Children suffering from the affliction should reside in forest schools, pioneer camps, or sanatoriums. The disease causing infantilism must also be treated. If the endocrine glands are affected, hormones (sex hormones, thyroiodinum, or pituitary preparations) are prescribed.

N. R. SHASTIN

infantilism

[in-fan´tĭ-lizm, in´fan-tĭ-lizm] persistence of the characteristics of childhood into adult life, marked by mental retardation, underdevelopment of the reproductive organs, and often dwarfism.

in·fan·ti·lism

(in-făn'ti-lizm), Negative and pejorative connotations of this word may render it offensive in some contexts.1. A state marked by slow development of mind and body. Synonym(s): infantile dwarfism2. Childishness, as characterized by a temper tantrum of an adolescent or adult. 3. Underdevelopment of the sexual organs.

infantilism

(ĭn′fən-tl-ĭz′əm, ĭn-făn′tl-)n. A state of arrested development in an adult, characterized by retention of infantile mentality, accompanied by stunted growth and sexual immaturity, and often by dwarfism.

nepiophilia

A variant of paedophilia that hinges on sexual imagery of or contact with infants.

in·fan·ti·lism

(in-fan'ti-lizm) 1. A state marked by slow development of mind and body. 2. Childishness, as characterized by a temper tantrum of an adolescent or adult. 3. Underdevelopment of the sexual organs.

infantilism

Persistence of child-like characteristics of body and mind into adult life. Arrested development in an adult.

in·fan·ti·lism

(in-fan'ti-lizm) A state marked by slow development of mind and body.

Patient discussion about infantilism

Q. How do I break it to my mother that I have infantile amnesia A. i'de let the doctor that diagnosed me with infantile amnesia to tell it to my parents, he can explains to your mother exactly what it means,treatments all sorts..

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Words related to infantilism

noun an abnormal condition in which an older child or adult retains infantile characteristics

Related Words

noun infantile behavior in mature persons

Related Words