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Definition of "mutism" [mut•ism]

  • The condition of being unable or unwilling to speak as a result of a physical or psychological disorder. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "mutism" in a sentence
  • "The catatonic syndrome of negativistic stupor, characterized by mutism, negativism, stupor, and catalepsy, is also extremely responsive to ECT."
  • "Gioffredi (_Gazzetta degli Ospedali_, October 1, 1895) has shown that some hysterical symptoms, such as mutism, can be cured by etherization, thus loosening the control of the higher centres."
  • ""Olivia suffered elective mutism, meaning she stopped talking, when she had both her legs amputated, and everyone always says I'm a blabbermouth so I thought it was a good idea to do a sponsored silence," Sarah-Jane said."