spontaneous recovery

[ spon-tey-nee-uhs ri-kuhv-uh-ree ]

noun

1. Psychology. the unexpected revival of a conditioned response after its association with the stimulus has been erased: conditioning ( def 2 ).

   Spontaneous recovery was first demonstrated by Pavlov (1927) and has since been repeated in several studies.

spontaneous recovery

noun

1. psychol the reappearance of a response after its extinction has been followed by a period of rest

Word History and Origins

Origin of spontaneous recovery¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In country districts the process of disintegration was immediate, the spontaneous recovery was slow.

From Project Gutenberg

In vigorous young animals that are left to run at pasture when so mildly affected, spontaneous recovery occurs.

From Project Gutenberg

In such instances one leg only was so mutilated and in most instances, it is reported that spontaneous recovery took place.

From Project Gutenberg

Where a spontaneous recovery does not take place, these p. 184prove fatal in a short time.

From Project Gutenberg

After twenty-four hours the paralysis began to recede, and in a few days I had made a spontaneous recovery.

From Project Gutenberg