Babied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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babied
[ˈbeɪbiːd ]
Definition
coddled child
To baby someone means to treat them with excessive care and attention, often to the point of indulging their every desire. The term is frequently used in parenting contexts, where a parent might overly pamper or protect their child, leading to arguments about whether the child is being nurtured or prevented from developing independence. It can also apply to adults who are treated in a similar overly indulgent manner. This behavior can sometimes result in negative consequences, such as a lack of self-sufficiency or resilience in the person being babied.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She babied her younger brother to the point where he couldn't do anything on his own.
- His parents babied him, and now he struggles with simple tasks.
- They babied the puppy, making it hard for it to learn discipline.
Translations
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Origin of 'babied'
The term 'baby' originally stems from the Middle English 'babye', which conveyed the meaning of a very young child or infant. Its use as a verb began around the early 20th century, when parents and caregivers developed a more affectionate and protective style of nurturing children. This language evolved as societal norms regarding child-rearing changed, shifting from a more traditional and strict approach to one that emphasizes emotional support and nurturing. As such, to 'baby' someone became a way to denote fostering dependency rather than independence. Over time, the word accumulated connotations of indulgence and even negativity, as the adverse effects of overprotection became evident in discussions about parenting.