mutism

American  

[myoo-tiz-uhm] / ˈmyu tɪz əm /

noun

Psychiatry.

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

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mutism British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of mutism

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

Example Sentences

I was probably about 2 or 3 then, just trying to blab, because the early nurses I had when I was a kid had said that I had delayed speech or something called “selective mutism.”

From Los Angeles Times

She also has selective mutism, driven by anxiety.

From BBC

Early intervention for children with mutism is recognised as crucial to prevent the problem continuing into adulthood.

From BBC

Richard Littler KC, representing Ratcliffe, had told the court the teenager had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism.

From BBC

A child can successfully overcome selective mutism if it is diagnosed at an early age and appropriately managed.

From BBC