exhibitionism

American  

[ek-suh-bish-uh-niz-uhm] / ˌɛk səˈbɪʃ əˌnɪz əm /

noun

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

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

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exhibitionism British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

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

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

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Other Word Forms

• exhibitionist noun
• exhibitionistic adjective
• nonexhibitionism noun

Etymology

Origin of exhibitionism

First recorded in 1890–95; exhibition + -ism

Example Sentences

She allows the camera into the sanctums of her tanning booth and facial treatment sessions, but there’s an exhibitionism in these moments instead of conveying honesty and openness.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2024

I feel I captured a genuine moment hidden inside his obvious exhibitionism.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2021

My question for you, which I also think you should ask yourself, is: What exactly do you like about the idea of this kind of exhibitionism?

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2021

Little Richard reveled in an image of utter bravado and exhibitionism, from a tall tower of hair to mascara-coated eyelashes and other makeup.

From Washington Post • May 9, 2020

I hasten to state that exhibitionism alone does not make a Cabinet Minister or a comedian.

From A Dominie in Doubt by Neill, Alexander Sutherland