Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- 

ˌmən-ˈchau̇-

variants or Munchausen's syndrome

ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zənz- 

ˌmən-ˈchau̇-

: a psychological disorder characterized by the intentional feigning, exaggeration, or induction of the symptoms of a disease or injury in order to undergo diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or medical or surgical treatment : factitious disorder imposed on self compare munchausen syndrome by proxy

Examples of Munchausen syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The title was likely inspired by the years of abuse Gypsy allegedly faced at the hands of her mother as a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

The news of the finalization comes eight months after the former inmate and victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy filed for divorce in April. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Blanchard, believed to be a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, was famously convicted of second-degree murder for her mother’s death. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 20 Nov. 2024

It's widely believed that Blanchard was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy; a rare form of abuse in which a guardian exaggerates or induces illness in a child for sympathy and attention. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Baron K. F. H. von Münchhausen †1797 German soldier and proverbial teller of exaggerated tales

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- 

variants or Munchausen's syndrome

-zənz- 

: a psychological disorder characterized by the intentional feigning, exaggeration, or induction of the symptoms of a disease or injury in order to undergo diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or medical or surgical treatment : factitious disorder imposed on self compare munchausen syndrome by proxy