hikikomori

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A Japanese phenomenon whereby a person becomes a recluse from society, typically remaining isolated in a single room at home for a very long period.
  2. A reclusive person of this kind.

Pronunciation

/ˌhɪkikoʊˈmɔɹi/

Word forms

hikikomori hikikomoris

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 引きこもり (literally “pulling inward, being confined”) and is often translated as “acute social withdrawal” or shut-in.

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