infantilism

/ɪnˈfæntɪlɪzəm/
noun
  1. The state or condition of being childish or immature in behavior or thinking, especially in an adult.
    • She grew tired of his infantilism and wanted a more mature partner.
    • The movie critic accused the film of promoting cultural infantilism.
    • His constant tantrums at work were a sign of emotional infantilism.
  2. A medical condition in which an adult retains physical or mental characteristics typical of a child.
    • Infantilism can sometimes be treated with growth hormone therapy.
    • The doctor diagnosed the patient with pituitary infantilism due to a hormone deficiency.
    • The rare disorder caused infantilism, leaving the teenager with a childlike appearance.
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