refrigerator mother

1.
United StatesUnited KingdomEnglish-speaking medical and popular discourse (historical)derogatorydatedhistorical
- A pejorative term, historically used to describe a mother alleged to be emotionally cold or unresponsive, and thus blamed for causing autism or other developmental disorders in her child.
- An individual accused, usually without scientific basis, of having caused a child's psychological or developmental condition through lack of warmth or affection.
2.
United StatesUnited KingdomEnglish-speaking medical and popular discourse (historical)derogatorydatedhistoricaltechnical
- A term referring to the discredited theory or hypothesis that cold, unloving parenting—especially by mothers—was the primary cause of autism and certain other childhood conditions.

Examples: