mutism

[ˈmjuːtɪzəm]

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

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.

  • a complete inability to speak due to physical or psychological reasons

    Example

    The patient's total mutism was caused by a stroke that damaged the speech center of his brain.

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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.