1. the retention of childish characteristics or behavior in an adult
Usage: psychology
2. a condition in which physical development is arrested at an infantile stage
Usage: medical

Examples

• His emotional infantilism made it difficult for him to handle adult responsibilities.
• The therapist identified signs of infantilism in the patient’s behavior patterns.
• Her infantilism was evident in her inability to make independent decisions.
• The medical team diagnosed a rare form of physical infantilism.
• Psychological infantilism can interfere with forming mature relationships.
• The condition of infantilism requires specialized treatment approaches.