mutism Syllabification: (mut·ism)Pronunciation: /ˈmyo͞otˌizəm/Definition of mutism noun inability to speak, typically as a result of congenital deafness or brain damage. (in full elective mutism) unwillingness or refusal to speak, arising from psychological causes such as depression or trauma. Origin: early 19th century: from French mutisme, from Latin mutus 'mute'mutism in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of mutism in the British & World English dictionary
