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
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
Her mother requested ketamine treatment, explaining that infusions of the drug had helped Maya in the past; hospital staff reported Beata to the Department of Children and Families, and she was accused of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
—Sophie Dodd, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024
Kim explained that Gypsy had been subjected to unnecessary medical treatments by her mother as a child due to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which is a form of child abuse where a guardian exaggerates or induces illness for sympathy.
—Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024
An ex-partner who used to live with Jones told authorities her behavior was indicative of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition in which a caretaker — often a mother — fakes symptoms in someone else — usually a child.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for Munchausen syndrome 
Becca Longmire, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
Her mother requested ketamine treatment, explaining that infusions of the drug had helped Maya in the past; hospital staff reported Beata to the Department of Children and Families, and she was accused of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
—Sophie Dodd, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024
Kim explained that Gypsy had been subjected to unnecessary medical treatments by her mother as a child due to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which is a form of child abuse where a guardian exaggerates or induces illness for sympathy.
—Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024
An ex-partner who used to live with Jones told authorities her behavior was indicative of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition in which a caretaker — often a mother — fakes symptoms in someone else — usually a child.
—Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for Munchausen syndrome
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Munchausen syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near Munchausen syndrome
Cite this Entry
“Munchausen syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Munchausen%20syndrome. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Munchausen syndrome
noun
Mun·chau·sen syndrome
ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən-
variants
or Munchausen's syndrome
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share