1. the process of treating someone as if they were a child or incapable of adult responsibility; the act of making something childish or immature
Usage: often used in psychology, sociology, and social criticism; typically carries a negative connotation

Examples

• The infantilization of women in advertising has been criticized by feminist scholars for decades.
• Some argue that overprotective parenting leads to the infantilization of teenagers.
• The infantilization of elderly people in care facilities can harm their sense of dignity and independence.
• Media coverage that focuses on celebrities' personal lives rather than their work contributes to their infantilization.
• Teachers must avoid the infantilization of their students by treating them with age-appropriate respect.
• The infantilization of marginalized groups in political discourse undermines their credibility and agency.