babyism
|ba-by-ism|
/ˈbeɪ.bi.ɪz.əm/
behaving like a baby / treating as a baby
Etymology
'babyism' originates from English, specifically formed by the noun 'baby' + the suffix '-ism', where '-ism' meant 'practice, characteristic, or doctrine'.
'baby' comes from Middle English 'babi' (14th century), likely imitative of baby babble; the suffix '-ism' comes from Greek '-ismos' via Latin and Old French and entered English as '-ism', so 'baby' + '-ism' produced 'babyism' as a modern English formation.
Initially the elements denoted 'relating to a baby' and 'a practice or state'; over time 'babyism' has been used to mean either 'baby-like behavior' or 'the act of treating someone like a baby'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the tendency or habit of behaving like a baby; childish or infantile behavior (babyishness).
His babyism was obvious when he stormed out after a minor criticism.
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Noun 2
the practice or attitude of treating someone as if they were a baby; infantilization.
Many employees complained about the management's babyism, which limited their autonomy.
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Last updated: 2025/12/23 13:36