battered child syndrome

noun

: the complex of physical injuries sustained by a grossly abused child

Examples of battered child syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to documents obtained by WESH-TV, an autopsy showed no signs of drowning, but instead there were signs of battered child syndrome. Steve Helling, PEOPLE.com, 12 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'battered child syndrome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of battered child syndrome was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near battered child syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Battered child syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battered%20child%20syndrome. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

battered child syndrome

noun
bat·​tered child syndrome ˌbat-ərd- How to pronounce battered child syndrome (audio)
: the complex of physical injuries (as fractures, hematomas, and contusions) that results from gross abuse (as by a parent) of a young child compare shaken baby syndrome

Legal Definition

battered child syndrome

noun
bat·​tered child syn·​drome
-ˈsin-ˌdrōm, -drəm
: the combination of grave physical injuries (as broken bones and bruises) that results from gross child abuse

Note: Evidence of battered child syndrome is often used to establish that a child's death was not accidental.

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