mutisme

mutism, complete silence

noun mü-TEEZ-muh Rare

Usage Note

Mutisme refers to a deliberate or pathological refusal or inability to speak; s'enfermer dans le mutisme (to retreat into silence) is a common figurative phrase. In psychiatry it denotes elective or selective mutism. The adjective muet (mute/silent) is the root.

Examples

"Elle s'est enfermée dans un mutisme total."

Natural Translation

She withdrew into total silence.

Literal Translation

She herself-shut in a mutism total.

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