exhibitionism
exhibitionism Lexical Profile
exhibitionism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Extravagant, flamboyant, or conspicuous behavior intended to attract attention to oneself.
"The critic dismissed the lead actor's over-the-top performance as pure exhibitionism rather than genuine dramatic craft."
A psychological compulsion or paraphilic condition characterized by the urge to indecently expose one's body, especially the genitals, to unsuspecting strangers.
"The forensic textbook distinguishes between general public nudity and clinical exhibitionism."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday conversation, 'exhibitionism' usually refers to flamboyant, attention-seeking behavior, whereas in clinical psychology and law it specifically denotes the paraphilic compulsion to expose one's genitals in public.
• Rhymes for exhibitionism
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century (originally in a psychiatric context via French 'exhibitionnisme') from 'exhibition' + '-ism', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'exhibere', meaning 'to hold forth' or 'to display'.