Definition

To treat someone as if they are a child, making them less mature or responsible.

Example

The new policies tend to infantilize the employees, preventing them from making their own decisions.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like some people just want to infantilize others instead of treating them like adults.

Yeah, it’s frustrating when they don’t take you seriously.

Exactly! It makes it hard to have genuine conversations.

Totally, we should encourage each other to be more independent.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infantilize → It is formed from "infantilis" (from Latin, meaning childish or infant) and the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to become). The word "infantilize" means to make someone behave like an infant or to treat them as if they are childish.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'infant' which refers to a very young child, and remember that 'infantilize' means to make someone act like a child.

Visually Confused Words