Medical Dictionary

regression

noun re·gres·sion \ri-ˈgresh-ən\

Medical Definition of REGRESSION

:  a trend or shift toward a lower, less severe, or less perfect state: as a :  progressive decline (as in size or severity) of a manifestation of disease <tumor regression following radiation> b (1) :  a gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging <menopausal regression of the ovaries> (2) :  gradual loss (as in old age) of memories and acquired skills c :  reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level or to an earlier stage of psychosexual development in response to organismic stress or to suggestion <a protective regression towards childhood—Havelock Ellis>

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