Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

aversive conditioning

American  

noun

Psychology, Psychiatry.
  1. a type of behavior conditioning in which noxious stimuli are associated with undesirable or unwanted behavior that is to be modified or abolished, as the use of nausea-inducing drugs in the treatment of alcoholism.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Time will tell if the aversive conditioning helps the Wapiti Pack turn the corner and act more like wild wolves.

From Washington Times • Apr. 24, 2021

He opposes euthanizing bears that cause problems, preferring shouting and other aversive conditioning to tell bears when they aren’t welcome.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2020

She adds that aversive conditioning is only effective when the process is not especially painful.

From The Guardian • Jul. 12, 2018

When Seligman began his studies, Solomon’s lab was working with dogs on a phenomenon that Ivan Pavlov had first identified as aversive conditioning or avoidance learning.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 14, 2015

If you overdid it at the holidays and are looking for a little negative reinforcement or aversive conditioning, you could do worse than to read Hangover Square or Twenty-Thousand Streets Under the Sky.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2013