puerilism

noun

pu·​er·​il·​ism ˈpyu̇(-ə)r-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce puerilism (audio)
ˈpyu̇(-ə)r-ˌī-
: childish behavior especially as a symptom of mental illness

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puerilism was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near puerilism

Cite this Entry

“Puerilism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puerilism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!