exhibitionism

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

/ ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ əˌnɪz əm /

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See 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.

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Origin of exhibitionism

First recorded in 1890–95; exhibition + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM exhibitionism

non·ex·hi·bi·tion·ism, noun

Words nearby exhibitionism

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use exhibitionism in a sentence

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

In other words, it is a form of exhibitionism and is an impulse disorder.
Why Do Men Flash People on Twitter?|T. Byram Karasu|June 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST
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
Exhibitionism is not rare among insane women and I have myself treated two typical cases.
The Sexual Question|August Forel
The presence of masturbation in this case renders it untypical as a case of exhibitionism.
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5 (of 6)|Havelock Ellis
It is undoubtedly true that many cases of real or apparent exhibitionism occur in epileptics.
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 of exhibitionism

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

exhibitionism

Origin of exhibitionism

OTHER WORDS FROM exhibitionism

Words nearby exhibitionism

Words related to exhibitionism

How to use exhibitionism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for exhibitionism

Derived forms of exhibitionism