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

He is a sweet, smart child who has struggled with anxiety, social anxiety, and selective mutism since preschool.

From Slate

I want to wear the lanyard around my neck that says I have selective mutism and for people to understand what that is, like they would with autism.

From BBC

Traumatic mutism comes on after a negative experience and affects communication with everyone.

From BBC

The NHS says that a child or adult with selective mutism "does not refuse or choose not to speak at certain times, they're literally unable to speak".

From BBC

Often dismissed as naughty or rude in the past, children with selective mutism are now understood to have a severe form of anxiety which means they can only talk to certain people.

From BBC