introvert

verb in·tro·vert \ ˈin-trə-ˌvərt \

Definition of introvert

transitive verb

:to turn inward or in upon itself: such as

a :to concentrate or direct upon oneself

b :to produce psychological introversion in

Recent Examples of introvert from the Web

Surrounded by studio hands including Philadelphia musician Alex G on guitar, Ocean introverted himself to get in the zone.

— eve barlow, Billboard, "Frank Ocean Brings Out Brad Pitt, Covers Stevie Wonder at FYF Fest 2017 in L.A.," 23 July 2017
Obama's so much colder and more restrained than that, so much more ruthlessly calculated and inward-looking, so much more mysteriously introverted even as his rhetoric explodes in flashes of fascinating brilliance.

— stephen marche, Esquire, "The Generation War of This Election — and Beyond," 17 Oct. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'introvert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of introvert

intro- + -vert (as in divert)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1669

See Words from the same year

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

introvert

noun

Definition of introvert

1 :something (such as the retractile proboscis of some worms) that is or can be drawn in especially by invagination

2 :one whose personality is characterized by introversion; broadly :a reserved or shy person

—

introverted

play \ˈin-trə-ˌvər-təd\ adjective

See introvert defined for English-language learners

See introvert defined for kids

Examples of introvert in a Sentence

although interested in the public welfare, he was too much of an introvert to consider personally running for political office

Recent Examples of introvert from the Web

Advice tips heavily toward introverts, while typically glazing over some of the common hang-ups that the other personality trait brings to the (dinner-party) table.

— andrea stanley, Vogue, "Social Etiquette Advice for Extroverts (Because, Yes, You Need Help, Too)," 9 Aug. 2017
Chatty commuters—introverts and extroverts alike—reported having the most pleasant commute.

— ellen seidman, Time, "14 Ways to Squeeze More Joy Out of Every Day," 7 Aug. 2017
At a party: Helping the introverts feel more comfortable with engaging conversation.

— jenna birch, Teen Vogue, "How to Tell Your Personality Style From the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator," 2 Aug. 2017
Their best tips involve supporting strong candidates who are either uncomfortable working the room to sing their own praises, like introverts, or those who are already actively enhancing the business in employee resource groups.

— ellen mcgirt, Fortune, "Racism Is a Business," 25 July 2017
Empowering introverts or seeing total strangers start conversations as a result of our clothing is the icing on the cake.

— zoe weiner, Allure, "This Guy Fieri One-Piece Is the Scariest Swimwear of the Summer," 17 July 2017
In one of the most memorable moments, Cooper, who described himself as an introvert, opened up about his family history.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Pulse of Orlando': Anderson Cooper's report premieres at 10 p.m. Friday," 29 June 2017
Don't force shy kids into stressful situations, and make sure introverts have downtime.

— laura johnston, cleveland.com, "Why childhood friends matter: Multitasking Moms and Dads," 25 June 2017
The prompt created much chatter among the crowd about introverts and extroverts.

— james hamblin, The Atlantic, "Most People Identify as Huggers, Rarely Hug," 24 June 2017

First Known Use of introvert

1883

introvert Synonyms

Synonyms

shrinking violet, wallflower

Antonyms

extrovert (also extravert)

Related Words

mouse; cold fish, iceberg, icicle

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Medical Dictionary

introvert

transitive verb in·tro·vert \ ˈin-trə-ˌvərt \

medical Definition of introvert

:to turn inward or in upon itself: as

a :to concentrate or direct upon oneself

b :to produce psychological introversion in

introvert

noun

medical Definition of introvert

:one whose attention and interests are directed toward one's own thoughts and feelings :one whose personality is characterized by introversion; broadly :a reserved or shy person — compare extrovert