puer aeternus
The term "puer aeternus" is Latin for "eternal boy" and is used in both mythology and psychology to describe perpetual youth.
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Definition
C1Psychology
(technical, academic)An archetype describing an adult who remains emotionally and psychologically immature, often avoiding adult responsibilities.
Example
- His inability to hold down a job and constant reliance on his parents exemplify the puer aeternus archetype.
C2Mythology
(historical, literary)A child-god who remains forever young.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "puer aeternus":