mutism

[myoo-tiz-uhm] / ˈmyu tɪz əm /

NOUN

stage fright

Synonyms

WEAK

aphonia aphonia clericorum aphonia paralytica aphonia paranoica bashfulness buck fever butterflies flop sweat freeze hysterical aphonia loss of speech mike fright spastic aphonia

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She also has selective mutism, driven by anxiety.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2025

Selective mutism can start at any age but most often begins in early childhood between the ages of two and four.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

Scarlett, from Flintshire, has selective mutism, a severe anxiety disorder that leaves people unable to speak in certain situations and left her off school for two years.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

I want to wear the lanyard around my neck that says I have selective mutism and for people to understand what that is, like they would with autism.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2024

May 11:—Flexibilitas cerea more marked; mutism; retention of saliva; eats food voluntarily; bowels require frequent attention.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

Vocabulary lists containing mutism

Psychological Conditions and Disorders

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Psychology

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Becoming Naomi León

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