mutism Definition
the inability or refusal to speak.
Using mutism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mutism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The child's mutism was caused by extreme anxiety.
Example
Selective mutism is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person is able to speak only in certain situations.
mutism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mutism
Phrases with mutism
a condition in which a person, usually a child, consistently refuses to speak in certain social situations but speaks normally in others
Example
The child's elective mutism made it difficult for her to make friends at school.
post-traumatic mutism
a condition in which a person becomes mute following a traumatic event
Example
The soldier's post-traumatic mutism was a result of the trauma he experienced during combat.
Example
The patient's total mutism was caused by a stroke that damaged the speech center of his brain.
Summary: mutism in Brief
'Mutism' [ˈmjuːtɪzəm] is a noun that refers to the inability or refusal to speak. It can be caused by extreme anxiety or trauma and can manifest in different ways such as elective mutism, post-traumatic mutism, and total mutism. 'Mutism' is a formal term used to describe speechlessness.
