exhibitionism

[ ek-suh-bish-uh-niz-uh m ]

/ ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ əˌnɪz əm /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR exhibitionism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a tendency to display one's abilities or to behave in such a way as to attract attention.

Psychiatry. a disorder characterized especially by a compulsion to exhibit the genitals in public.

RELATED WORDS

flashing, immodesty

Nearby words

exhibit, exhibition, exhibition game, exhibition killing, exhibitioner, exhibitionism, exhibitionist, exhibitive, exhibitor, exhibitory, exhilarant

Origin of exhibitionism

First recorded in 1890–95; exhibition + -ism

Related forms

non·ex·hi·bi·tion·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exhibitionism

IEDs of exhibitionism are going off in every pop-culture marketplace.
Welcome to Showbiz Sharia Law|P. J. O’Rourke|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Snapchat offers all the exhibitionism and daring without the threat of public disclosure.
Confide Is the Best Way to Keep Your Dastardly Deeds Hidden—For Now|Daniel Gross|January 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When he is at his best, Owens cuts sensual garments that do not rely on flamboyance or exhibitionism to evoke sex appeal.
Paris Fall 2012 Fashion Week: Are Designers Bashing Women?|Robin Givhan|March 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She talks to Lorenza Muñoz about exhibitionism, her passion for acting, and Last Tango in Paris.
Carey Mulligan's Naked Turn in 'Shame'|Lorenza Muñoz|November 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Exhibitionism can take many forms and it is always characterized by the context of the exposure.
Why Do Men Flash People on Twitter?|T. Byram Karasu|June 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Sexual modesty is an advance over the exhibitionism of monkeys.
Philosophic Nights In Paris|Remy De Gourmont
Exhibitionism is not rare among insane women and I have myself treated two typical cases.
The Sexual Question|August Forel
It is necessary to insist upon this fact, as distinguishing exhibitionism in children from exhibitionism in adults.
The Sexual Life of the Child|Albert Moll
It must be added that a sexual form of exhibitionism of the nates must still be recognized.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis
Nine months after, the acts of exhibitionism ceased, apparently in a spontaneous manner, and there has so far been no relapse.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis

British Dictionary definitions for exhibitionism

exhibitionism

/ (ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

a compulsive desire to attract attention to oneself, esp by absurd or exaggerated behaviour or boasting

psychiatry a compulsive desire to expose one's genital organs publicly

Derived Forms

exhibitionist, noun, adjectiveexhibitionistic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for exhibitionism

exhibitionism

[ ĕk′sə-bĭsh′ə-nĭz′əm ]

n.

An abnormal compulsion to expose the genitals with the intent of provoking sexual interest in the viewer.

Related forms

ex′hi•bi′tion•ist n.