tongue-tied Hear it!

tongue-tied Definition

tongue·-tied (-tīd′)

adjective

  1. having a condition of tongue-tie
  2. speechless from amazement, embarrassment, etc.

tongue-tied Synonyms

tongue-tied

modif.

  1. Mute

    silent, speechless, aphonic; see dumb 1, mute 1.

  2. Inarticulate

    reticent, nervous, inarticulate; see reserved 3.

tongue-tied Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • so: When the interviewer asks a question, you get so tongue-tied you can't answer the question.
  • somewhat: Yet, visiting Strasbourg yesterday to address the European Parliament for the first time, he became somewhat tongue-tied.
  • too: The evident blush proclaims his shame, tho he himself is too tongue-tied, despite his wish, to apologize.

Used with adjective complement

  • become: Three days later I would be expected to reel off these teams without becoming tongue-tied.
  • get: Read it back to yourself and make sure you don't get tongue-tied while reading it.