Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪbɪɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "babying" is spelled with a "y" in the middle, despite the fact that the sound it represents is pronounced like the letter "i." This is because the word is derived from the noun "baby," which traditionally has a "y" in its spelling. Therefore, to create the verb form, the "y" is retained to show its connection to the original noun. The IPA phonetic transcription for "babying" is /ˈbeɪbiɪŋ/.
Babying, verb:
The act of treating someone, often an adult, with excessive care and attention similar to how one would treat a baby or young child. It involves indulging their every need or want, coddling them, and shielding them from responsibilities or challenges. When someone is babying another person, they may display a heightened level of protectiveness, often intervening and taking over tasks that the individual is perfectly capable of handling themselves.
This term is used to describe a form of behavior that goes beyond normal care or concern, and borders on overprotection or patronization. It can be seen as an enabling behavior, inhibiting personal growth and self-sufficiency by preventing the individual in question from facing life's difficulties and obstacles. Babying may arise from an overdeveloped sense of responsibility or from a genuine desire to help, but it can, in turn, foster dependence and a lack of personal accountability.
This term is not limited to a specific relationship or context, as it can occur between parents and children, romantic partners, friends, or even among colleagues. Overall, babying refers to the act of excessively sheltering or pampering someone, treating them as helpless or fragile, rather than allowing them the chance to develop resilience and independence.
The word "babying" is derived from the noun "baby", which originated from the Middle English word "babi" or "babe". The origin of "babi" can be traced back to the Old English word "baba" and further to the Proto-Germanic word "babō". The term "babying" is formed by adding the suffix "-ing" to "baby", forming a verb that means to treat someone with excessive care, coddling, or indulgence, similar to how one would treat a baby.
