avoidant personality


a·void·ant per·son·al·i·ty dis·or·der

1. an enduring and pervasive pattern in adulthood characterized by hypersensitivity to rejection, humiliation, shame, feelings of inadequacy resulting in social inhibition, and an unwillingness to enter into relationships without unusually strong guarantees of uncritical acceptance. 2. a DSM diagnosis that is established when the specified criteria are met. Synonym(s): avoidant personality

a·void·ant per·son·al·i·ty

(ă-voyd'ănt pĕr-sŏn-al'i-tē) A personality characterized by a hypersensitivity to potential rejection, humiliation, or shame, an unwillingness to enter into relationships without unusually strong guarantees of uncritical acceptance, social withdrawal in spite of a desire for affection and acceptance, and low self-esteem.