Definition

1. Verb:
   • To lose the power of speech (due to a serious illness or shock): The primary meaning describes the condition of becoming unable to speak, typically as a result of a severe illness, stroke, or extreme fright that affects the speech organs or mental faculties.
   • To be struck dumb; to be rendered speechless: Can also describe a temporary state of being so shocked, terrified, or astonished that one cannot utter a word.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sau cơn đột quỵ, cụ ông đã đớ lưỡi, không nói được nữa. (After the stroke, the old man lost his power of speech and could no longer talk.)
  • Nghe tin dữ, bà ấy đớ lưỡi ra, không thốt nên lời. (Upon hearing the bad news, she was struck dumb, unable to utter a word.)
  • Cơn sốt ác tính khiến đứa trẻ đớ lưỡi. (The malignant fever caused the child to lose the ability to speak.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is often used in medical or dramatic contexts to describe a severe loss of function. It carries a stronger, more serious connotation than simply being quiet or choosing not to speak (). It implies an involuntary physical or psychological impediment.

Variants and Related Words

• Đớ (verb): A shorter, more colloquial form with the same core meaning of being unable to speak, often from shock or stupefaction. "Đớ lưỡi" is a more descriptive variant.
• Câm (adjective): Mute; unable to speak (can be from birth or a permanent condition). While related, "câm" often denotes a permanent or inherent state, whereas "đớ lưỡi" typically describes an acquired or temporary condition resulting from a specific cause.
• Mất tiếng (verb phrase): To lose one's voice (often temporary, like from laryngitis). This is generally less severe than "đớ lưỡi".

Synonyms

• Mất khả năng nói: To lose the ability to speak.
• Cứng lưỡi: To have a stiff tongue (often from nervousness or shock, leading to speechlessness).
• Không nói nên lời: To be unable to speak; to be at a loss for words.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Đớ người / Đớ ra: To be dumbfounded; to be stunned into silence. These phrases emphasize the state of shock and speechlessness.
  • Nghe câu trả lời ấy, anh ta đớ người. (Hearing that answer, he was dumbfounded.)

1. Lose the power of speech from serious illness
   • như đớ