habituation Meaning of "habituation"

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Definition(s):

  1. (n) being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)
  2. (n) a general accommodation to unchanging environmental conditions

Usage(s):

  1. The problem with habituation is that it can also lead us to go to the other extreme, worrying not too much but too little.
  2. Normally, repeated exposure to the same experiences or images leads to habituation, or reduced response.
  3. What does concern parents, administrators and doctors is the possibility of psychological habituation.

Quotes

  • "Psychologists call this habituation, economists call it declining marginal utility and the rest of us call it marriage," Gilbert writes.
    on Apr 17, 2007 By: Daniel Gilbert Source: The Age

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