mutismPronunciation: /ˈmjuːtɪz(ə)m/Definition of mutism noun [mass 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 US English dictionary
