spoonfed

Spoonfed is an adjective and verb that denotes receiving sustenance or information so passively and completely that the recipient is not required to engage actively. The term traces to the literal act of feeding a person with a spoon, but its figurative use covers contexts in which guidance, knowledge, or opportunities are delivered in an overly simplified or prescriptive form.

In education, spoon-feeding describes teaching that minimizes student problem solving or independent inquiry, often criticized for stifling critical thinking and initiative. Proponents may argue it helps build foundational skills or ensures safety, especially for complex subjects or early learning. The term is typically pejorative when used to imply excessive control or a lack of fostering autonomy.

In media, politics, and parenting, spoon-feeding is used to critique curated information, managed discourse, or overprotective practices that shield individuals from challenge or ambiguity. Critics worry that overuse diminishes autonomy, resilience, and the ability to evaluate sources or make independent judgments.

Spelling varies in usage, with spoon-fed and spoonfed both appearing in different contexts; the related verb form is spoon-feed. Related concepts include coddling and overprotection, while proponents of broader active engagement advocate for strategies that balance sufficient guidance with opportunities for independent thinking and information literacy.