Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
hos·pi·tal·ism Pronunciation:
'häs-(")pit-&l-iz-&m Function:
noun 1 a : the factors andinfluences that adversely affect the health of hospitalized persons
b : the effect of such factors on mental or physical health
2 : the deleterious physical andmental effects on infants and children resulting from their living in institutions without the benefit of a home environment and parents