definitions

introvert

[ noun, adjective in-truh-vurt; verb in-truh-vurt ]
/ noun, adjective ˈɪn trəˌvɜrt; verb ˌɪn trəˈvɜrt /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR introvert ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a shy person.
Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings (opposed to extrovert).
Zoology. a part that is or can be introverted.

adjective

Psychology. marked by introversion.

verb (used with object)

RELATED WORDS

introspective, soft-spoken, reclusive, shy, quiet, restrained, collected, withdrawn, cool, bashful, cautious, cold, demure, modest, secretive, solitary, standoffish, uncommunicative, offish

Nearby words

introspect, introspection, introspective, introsusception, introversion, introvert, intrude, intruder, intruder in the dust, intrusion, intrusive

Origin of introvert

First recorded in 1660–70; intro- + (in)vert

Related forms

non·in·tro·vert·ed, adjectivenon·in·tro·vert·ed·ly, adverbnon·in·tro·vert·ed·ness, nounun·in·tro·vert·ed, adjective

Can be confused

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

Examples from the Web for introverted

British Dictionary definitions for introverted

introvert

noun (ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective (ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

Also: introverted characterized by introversion

verb (ˌɪntrəˈvɜːt)

(tr) pathol to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out
Compare extrovert

Word Origin for introvert

C17: see intro-, invert
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 introverted

introvert

[ ĭn′trə-vûrt′, ĭn′trə-vûrt′ ]

v.

To turn or direct inward.
To concentrate one's interests upon oneself.
To turn a tubular organ or part inward upon itself.

n.

One whose thoughts and feelings are directed toward oneself.
An anatomical structure that is capable of being introverted.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Culture definitions for introverted

introvert

[ (in-truh-vurt) ]

A term introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe a person whose motives and actions are directed inward. Introverts tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. (Compare extrovert.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.