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selective mutism

American

[si-lek-tiv myoo-tiz-uhm] / sɪˈlɛk tɪv ˈmyu tɪz əm /

noun

Psychiatry.

an anxiety disorder characterized by the inability to speak in certain social environments, most commonly occurring in young children, especially in school.

Etymology

Origin of selective mutism

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Oct. 27, 2024

"We are also developing resources aimed at parents and teaching staff to provide universal and targeted support for children with selective mutism."

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

When Daisy-Mae was growing up her family thought she was just shy, but her crippling silence around strangers was actually selective mutism.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2024

I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and selective mutism at the age of 5.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 5, 2023

Ox-tail soup brings Tita out of her selective mutism.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023