tongue-tied

American  

[tuhng-tahyd] / ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd /

adjective

1. unable to speak, as from shyness, embarrassment, or surprise.

2. affected with tongue-tie.

---

tongue-tied British  

adjective

1. speechless, esp with embarrassment or shyness

2. having a condition of tongue-tie

---

Etymology

Origin of tongue-tied

First recorded in 1520–30; tongue + tie ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Heinicke, a 10-year NFL veteran, has spent the last three weeks learning the complex scheme that at first had him tongue-tied while calling out a play.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

Speech production is a complex neural phenomenon that has left researchers explaining it tongue-tied.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

During our studio visit, Bradford turned uncharacteristically tongue-tied when he tried to articulate the sculpture’s relationship to that period.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Even on the first day of his exploratory committee launch, this tension left him tongue-tied.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2023

It made her feel small and tongue-tied to be so close to this great hulk of a man.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson