Skip to main content
Store
Dictionary
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Store
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Beanies
Halloween
Request a word
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Psychologically speaking, imprinting is when a younger person (typically a child) follows in the footsteps of the first person they interact with early in their life. It could be their mother, big brother or big sister. When the child views that person as their role model, they have essentially imprinted onto them. The said child fantasizes about being like their role model, being intimate with their role model (e.g. hugging), and willing to do anything they ask. This happens not only in humans but also in animals (e.g. baby chicks following and copying their mother duck after hatching). Going off of that, you could say that in general, imprinting is the act of looking up to a person and viewing them as their idol, often to an excessive and subservient degree.
Text fits
Save
Cancel