Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
enfant-sauvage
Noun
/ɑ̃fɑ̃ so.vɑʒ/
Definition
A term used to describe a wild child, particularly one who has been raised in isolation from human contact.
Examples
- The story of Victor, the 18th-century enfant-sauvage, highlights the complexities of human development.
- In literature, the concept of the enfant-sauvage serves as a metaphor for the struggle between civilization and nature.
- Researchers often study cases of enfants-sauvages to understand the effects of social isolation on psychological development.
Meaning
The phrase originates from French and literally translates to ‘wild child.’ It often refers to a child who has grown up without the usual socialization or nurturing found in typical human environments.
Synonyms
- Wild child
- Savage child
- Isolated child
