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

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

battered child syndrome

noun

bat·​tered child syndrome ˌbat-ərd- 

: 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.