# refrigerator mother

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/refrigerator-mother
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An emotionally frigid mother, who does not exhibit normal care or love for her child or children.

## Examples

- The psychologist described the woman as a cold, refrigerator mother.
- The book explores how the author felt neglected by his refrigerator mother during his childhood.
- Historical theories once unfairly labeled women as refrigerator mothers, blaming them for the developmental struggles of their children.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.