munchausen

• Nom propre ou nom commun faisant référence à un personnage historique connu pour ses récits exagérés et absurdes d'aventures ; son nom est devenu synonyme de mensonges extravagants ou de vantardises.

A proper noun referring to a historical figure known for telling exaggerated and preposterous stories about his adventures; his name has become associated with any telling of tall tales or winning lies.

indénombrable · nom propre

1. Historical figureC1formal

   A German baron and raconteur known for telling wildly exaggerated and fantastical stories about his adventures as a soldier and hunter.

   Le baron de Münchhausen

   • Baron Munchausen is famous for his tales of riding a cannonball.
   • The stories of Munchausen have been adapted into books and films.
   • His name has become synonymous with tall tales and absurd adventures.

2. Medical syndromeC1formalmedical

   A psychological disorder where a person feigns illness or induces symptoms to assume the sick role and receive medical attention.

   Syndrome de Münchhausen

   • The patient was diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome after repeatedly faking symptoms.
   • Munchausen syndrome is a serious mental health condition.
   • Doctors must be careful to distinguish Munchausen syndrome from genuine illness.