mutism

noun mut·ism \ ˈmyü-ˌti-zəm \

Definition of mutism

: the condition of being unable to speak whether from physical, functional, or psychological cause

Recent Examples of mutism from the Web

Otunga says Kylee has selective mutism — an anxiety disorder when someone who is capable of speech cannot speak in particular situations or to certain people — and rarely says very many words.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "WWE Vet David Otunga Helps His Niece, 24, Secure a Heart Transplant: We Are 'Overjoyed'," 29 Mar. 2018
After all, severe autism repels language, turns it chaotic or, in the case of autistic mutism, simply absorbs it wholesale, as a black hole does light.

— eli gottlieb, chicagotribune.com, "In 'Shtum,' parents wreck their home to find a better one for their autistic son.," 30 May 2017
Researchers say selective mutism is caused by anxiety, not stubbornness, so many parents of children with the disorder turn to psychiatric drugs.

— randy dotinga, WIRED, "Popping Pills in Preschool," 5 Feb. 2004

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