tongue-tied Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb deprive of speech
    tongue-tie.
    • When he met his idol, the young man was tongue-tied
  2. adjective satellite unable to express yourself clearly or fluently
    incoherent.
    • felt tongue-tied with embarrassment
    • incoherent with grief

WordNet

Tongue"-tied` adjective
Definitions
  1. Destitute of the power of distinct articulation; having an impediment in the speech, esp. when caused by a short frænum.
  2. Unable to speak freely, from whatever cause.
    Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity. Shak.

Webster 1913