tongue-tied

American  

[tuhng-tahyd] / ˈtʌŋˌtaɪd /

adjective

1. unable to speak, as from shyness, embarrassment, or surprise.

2. affected with tongue-tie.

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tongue-tied British  

adjective

1. speechless, esp with embarrassment or shyness

2. having a condition of tongue-tie

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Etymology

Origin of tongue-tied

First recorded in 1520–30; tongue + tie ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Heinicke, a 10-year NFL veteran, has spent the last three weeks learning the complex scheme that at first had him tongue-tied while calling out a play.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

Giamatti watchers may have a hard time imagining the actor tongue-tied.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2024

Speech production is a complex neural phenomenon that has left researchers explaining it tongue-tied.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

“There wasn’t …” It was the first time I’d ever seen Harry tongue-tied.

From Slate • May 27, 2023

I sincerely had my doubts, considering how tongue-tied I got around them sometimes.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam