mutism

[ myoo-tiz-uhm ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. an inability to speak, due to a physical defect, conscious refusal, or psychogenic inhibition.

mutism

/ ˈmjuːtɪzəm /

noun

1. the state of being mute
2. psychiatry
   1. a refusal to speak although the mechanism of speech is not damaged
   2. the lack of development of speech, due usually to early deafness

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutism¹

From the New Latin word mūtismus, dating back to 1815–25. See mute, -ism

Example Sentences

In fact we are tempted to jump at the conclusion that consanguinity is in itself a cause of deaf-mutism.

From Project Gutenberg

Dumb walls merely, their mutism leaves large scope to imagination, and one may conjecture any but the right thing.

From Project Gutenberg

Even if the patient recovers, whether as the result of operation or not, deaf-mutism or mental deficiency frequently occurs.

From Project Gutenberg

A very complete family history showing deaf-mutism is given in Fig. 21.

From Project Gutenberg

Cousin Primitivo himself, with all the wisdom of the ancients, could not draw him out of his mutism.

From Project Gutenberg