(chemistry, obsolete) The tendency of a substance to combine with some specific substances more readily than others. / (dated) The feeling of being attracted to or sympathetic with someone or something.

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of self-elect

plural of self-elect

Having the right to elect oneself.

(clinical psychology, psychiatry) Dated form of selective mutism (“A severe anxiety disorder characterized by a total inability to speak in some social settings”). In the past, some clinicians erroneously believed that individuals with elective mutism chose to remain silent in some social situations as an act of defiance. Contrary to what was once believed, the inability to speak (mutism) is involuntary, thus the potentially misleading term elective mutism has largely been supplanted by selective mutism.

(idiomatic, chiefly US, politics) Of unpopular status, particularly of politicians.

(ethnic slur) Synonym of sweat like a nigger (“to sweat very profusely”)

To campaign for an elective office, on one's own behalf, or on behalf of another, particularly by direct contact.

Campaigning for elective office on behalf of oneself or another candidate.

present participle of electioneer