Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

spontaneous-recovery

Noun

/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs rɪˈkʌv.ər.i/

Definition

The return of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a period without exposure to the conditioned stimulus.

Examples

After some time away from training, the dog exhibited spontaneous recovery by responding to the old command.
The patient showed signs of spontaneous recovery, improving her behavior without further therapy.

Meaning

Spontaneous recovery refers to the phenomenon where a learned behavior re-emerges after a rest period, even though it was thought to be forgotten or eliminated.