exhibitionism

[ ek-suh-bish-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. a tendency to display one's abilities or to behave in such a way as to attract attention.
2. Psychiatry. a disorder characterized especially by a compulsion to exhibit the genitals in public.

exhibitionism

/ ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a compulsive desire to attract attention to oneself, esp by absurd or exaggerated behaviour or boasting
2. psychiatry a compulsive desire to expose one's genital organs publicly

Derived Forms

• ˌexhiˈbitionist, nounadjective
• ˌexhiˌbitionˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• nonex·hi·bition·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhibitionism¹

First recorded in 1890–95; exhibition + -ism

Example Sentences

She allows the camera into the sanctums of her tanning booth and facial treatment sessions, but there’s an exhibitionism in these moments instead of conveying honesty and openness.

From Salon

All of this gangster-like exhibitionism foreshadows what things will look like should the first authoritarian armed with an oligarchy of power and a crew of minions retake the Oval Office in 2025.

From Salon

“Some of my kinks include bondage, light B.D.S.M., role play, and exhibitionism,” she says.

From New York Times

One of the complaints received by the prosecutor also covers that episode, accusing Rubiales of "obscene exhibitionism in the presence of a minor".

From Reuters

And though there are times when Dudamel does restrain himself from the exhibitionism that mars the first movement of his Ninth, the result too often is faceless and bland.

From New York Times