Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

arrested-development

noun

/əˈrɛstɪd dɪˈvɛl əpmənt/

Definition

A condition where an individual’s emotional or psychological development is halted or not progressed, often characterized by behavior and thought patterns typical of a younger age.

Examples

Many people who experience severe trauma in childhood may face issues related to arrested development.
In therapy, he began to understand how his arrested development affected his adult relationships.

Meaning

Arrested development refers to a situation where a person does not adult or mature in a normal way due to various reasons such as trauma, mental health issues, or environmental factors.