mutism
mutism — noun
1. a disorder in which someone cannot say words aloud, or stays silent, because of
a disorder in which someone cannot say words aloud, or stays silent, because of a problem in the body or mind
After the stroke, Kenji's mutism left him answering questions on a tablet.
mutism after a stroke
The clinic helps children with selective mutism speak during short games.
selective mutism in children
After the attack, Tariro's mutism continued even when she felt safe.
Doctors said Felix developed mutism after a brain infection in childhood.
At home, Alessia used cards to communicate during months of mutism.
- muteness
broader and sometimes more literary; less clinical than mutism
- speechlessness
usually a short reaction to surprise or emotion, not an ongoing condition
- aphonia
a narrower medical term for loss of voice itself
- silence
a broader everyday word that can describe a chosen quiet state
文法句型
mutism after + illness or injury
mutism in children
selective mutism
用法筆記
Common in medical and educational contexts. It often refers to a lasting or repeated loss of speech, including selective mutism in children. Distinguish it from speechlessness, which is usually brief and caused by shock or strong emotion.