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

What I loved about OnlyFans was that it indulged my exhibitionism within the confines of my monogamous relationship; it also felt like a form of reparations for prior misogyny I’d experienced.

From Slate

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

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

By the final episode of “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” the anonymous man turns from critique of Carmichael’s exhibitionism toward protectiveness and concern for his friend: “This is going to be viewed by the giant revolting mass of people that is argumentative, insane, and that’s a scary collective for the judgment of the most precious things in your life.”

From Los Angeles Times