verb
- to treat or regard someone as if they were a child; to make childish or immature
Usage: British spelling (American: infantilizes); third person singular present tense
Examples
- The manager infantilises her team by making all their decisions for them.
- Speaking in a baby voice infantilises adults and undermines their confidence.
- He infantilises his elderly parents by refusing to let them manage their own finances.
- The policy infantilises voters by oversimplifying complex issues.
- She infantilises her younger brother, never allowing him to take responsibility.
- Constant criticism infantilises people and damages their self-esteem.