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

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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

Time Traveler

The first known use of battered child syndrome was in 1962

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Style

“Battered child syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battered%20child%20syndrome. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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.

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battered child syndrome

noun

Examples of battered child syndrome in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near battered child syndrome

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

Legal Definition