Munchausen syndrome

noun

Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
ˌmən-ˈchau̇-
variants or Munchausen's syndrome
ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zənz- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The title was likely inspired by the years of abuse Gypsy allegedly faced at the hands of her mother as a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 The news of the finalization comes eight months after the former inmate and victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy filed for divorce in April. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 Blanchard, believed to be a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, was famously convicted of second-degree murder for her mother’s death. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 20 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for Munchausen syndrome 

Word History

Etymology

Baron K. F. H. von Münchhausen †1797 German soldier and proverbial teller of exaggerated tales

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Munchausen syndrome was in 1951

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 24 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

Munchausen syndrome

noun
Mun·​chau·​sen syndrome ˈmən-ˌchau̇-zən- How to pronounce Munchausen syndrome (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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