Word of the Day Infantilize
Word of The Day
INFANTILIZE
To infantilize means to treat someone as if they are a child—by underestimating their abilities, denying them autonomy, or speaking to them in a patronising manner—regardless of their actual age or competence.
📘 Definitions
Infantilization is the prolonged treatment of someone as if they are much younger than they really are
to treat someone as if that person were a child, with the result that they start behaving like one:
✍️ Example Sentence
“It’s important not to infantilize adults by making decisions for them without their input.”
Origin and History
The word infantilize comes from the Latin infans (child) and the suffix -ize, meaning “to make into,” essentially meaning “to make childlike” or “to treat as an infant”. First appearing in English in the 1930s, it’s formed from the adjective infantile (dating to the 17th century) and describes making someone immature or dependent, often used in social or psychological contexts.
🌱 Why We Love This Word
Infantilize is a powerful word because it highlights an often-overlooked behaviour that can affect confidence, dignity, and independence. Understanding this word helps us become more aware of how language and actions can unintentionally diminish others, encouraging more respectful and empowering communication.
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