1. excessive attachment to or domination by one’s mother
Usage: psychology; often critical
2. a cultural tendency toward overprotective or controlling mothering
Usage: sociology; often critical

Examples

• The psychologist warned against momism and its effects on child development.
• His inability to make decisions was attributed to years of momism.
• The book criticized American momism in the 1950s.
• She struggled to break free from the momism that had shaped her childhood.
• The therapist helped him recognize patterns of momism in his relationship.
• Critics argued that momism prevented children from developing independence.