decondition

verb de·con·di·tion \ ˌdē-kən-ˈdi-shən \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Definition of decondition

transitive verb

1 : to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)

2 : to cause to lose physical fitness

Recent Examples of decondition from the Web

Get our daily newsletter The result is what medics call deconditioning syndrome.

— The Economist, "Why Britain’s hospitals are waging a war on pyjamas," 14 June 2018
So far there is no firm evidence on whether or not the anti-pyjama initiative is helping to cut hospital stays or any of the consequences of deconditioning, such as falls.

— The Economist, "Why Britain’s hospitals are waging a war on pyjamas," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decondition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of decondition

1941

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

decondition

transitive verb de·con·di·tion \ ˌdē-kən-ˈdish-ən \

medical Definition of decondition

1 : to cause to lose physical fitness

inactivity deconditions a bedridden person

2 : to cause extinction of (a conditioned response)

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See words that rhyme with decondition

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