negative reinforcement

noun

: psychological reinforcement by removal of an unpleasant stimulus when a desired response occurs

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Negative reinforcement.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/negative%20reinforcement. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!