spoon-fed
Adjective 1. Excessively assisted or pampered: Describing a person, industry, or entity that has been given so much help or support (often artificial, such as subsidies or protective tariffs) that they lose the ability to be independent or self-reliant. - The government's policy left the local industry spoon-fed and unable to compete globally. (Given artificial support that hindered true growth.) 2. Deprived of independent thought: Characterizing someone who has been taught or guided in such a passive manner that they lack creativity or the capacity for original thinking. - Students who are spoon-fed information often struggle with problem-solving on their own. (Given ready-made answers without developing analytical skills.) 3. Overindulged or coddled (primarily American English): Referring to someone, especially a child, who has been excessively cared for and spoiled. - He was a spoon-fed child who never learned to handle disappointment. (Overprotected and pampered excessively.)
- (Given too much artificial support.)
- (Supported artificially, stifling creativity.)
- (Given ready-made solutions, not taught to think.)
- (An economy dependent on artificial support.)
- "to be spoon-fed (something)": To receive information or resources in a passive, uncritical manner.
- The public is spoon-fed propaganda by the media. (Receives biased information without questioning it.)
- "spoon-fed industry": An industry that relies on government protection or subsidies rather than market competition.
- The steel industry became spoon-fed and inefficient due to tariffs. (Dependent on artificial barriers.)
- Spoon-feed (verb): To provide excessive help or information in a passive manner.
- Parents should not spoon-feed their children every answer; let them explore. (Give too much direct assistance.)
- Spoon-feeding (noun): The act of giving excessive support or information.
- Spoon-feeding in education reduces students' critical thinking. (The practice of over-assisting.)
- Coddled: Treated with excessive care and protection.
- The coddled child never learned to tie his shoes. (Overprotected.)
- Pampered: Indulged with luxury or attention.
- A pampered pet may become difficult to manage. (Spoiled with care.)
- Nurtured artificially: Given support that is not natural or sustainable.
- The artificially nurtured startup failed when funding ended. (Supported by external, temporary means.)
- "To be spoon-fed with a silver spoon": To be born into wealth and privilege, receiving everything without effort.
- He was spoon-fed with a silver spoon, never having to work for anything. (Born into extreme privilege.)
- "To be fed with a spoon": To be given information or resources in an overly simple, pre-digested form.
- The students were fed with a spoon all the answers, so they never learned to think. (Given ready-made solutions.)
- Spoon-feed (someone): To give someone information or help in a way that prevents independent thought.
- The tutor spoon-fed the student during the lesson, which backfired on the exam. (Provided excessive direct assistance.)