INTROVERT

introvert

(noun) (psychology) a person who tends to shrink from social contacts and to become preoccupied with their own thoughts

introvert

(verb) turn inside; “He introverted his feelings”

invaginate, introvert

(verb) fold inwards; “some organs can invaginate”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

introvert (plural introverts)

(zoology) An organ or other body part that is or can be turned inside out, especially an anterior portion of some annelid worms capable of retraction.

(psychology) An introverted person: one who is considered more thoughtful than social, with a personality more inwardly than outwardly directed; one who often prefers to have time in non-social situations.

(figuratively) A reserved person.

Usage notes

Psychologists tend to distinguish between introversion, which defines one's inherent social preferences and exists on a spectrum of behavior with ambiversion and extraversion, from shyness and other manifestations of social anxiety or trauma. Popular use tends to lump such behaviors together and sometimes pejoratively consider them withdrawn or antisocial.

Antonyms

• extrovert (popular), extravert (proper)

Adjective

introvert (comparative more introvert, superlative most introvert)

Alternative form of introverted.

Verb

introvert (third-person singular simple present introverts, present participle introverting, simple past and past participle introverted)

To turn inwards.

To think about internal or spiritual matters.

(zoology) To withdraw an organ or body part within itself or its base.

Source: Wiktionary

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In`tro*vert", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Introverted; p. pr. & vb. n. Introverting.] Etym: [Pref. intro- + L. vertere, versum, to turn.]

1. To turn or bend inward. "Introverted toes." Cowper.

2. To look within; to introspect. Lew Wallace.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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