Top definition
A form of learning where a subject is rewarded for desired behavior by the removal of a negative, such as pain, hunger, or a distressing noise. This term is often confused with punishment, which is the introduction of a negative (the punishment) to discourage behavior.

Negative Reinforcement is the removal of something bad. Punishment is the introduction of something bad.
Negative Reinforcement: "Good behavior" in the prison system, where the negative (prison time) is reduced as a reward for not causing problems.

In comparison, the original prison sentence itself is punishment - a negative introduced to discourage behavior.
by YamadaOtter November 05, 2009
Get a Negative Reinforcement mug for your Aunt Yasemin.
May 3 Word of the Day
Internet persona(s) who happens to follow you and you happen to follow them back and maintain communication with and have a mutual liking for eachother whether it be friendship wise, etc. (Mutuals if more than one mutual)
Monica: Oh yay! I made a new mutual today because we started following & talking to eachother on twitter and we like eachother (so it seems).
by qtheresurrection March 25, 2015
Get the Mutual neck gaiter and mug.