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 
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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
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 14 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
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