inner child

noun

: the childlike usually hidden part of a person's personality that is characterized by playfulness, spontaneity, and creativity usually accompanied by anger, hurt, and fear attributable to childhood experiences

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner child was in 1955

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Dictionary Entries Near inner child

Cite this Entry

“Inner child.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20child. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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