freezing behavior

a form of passive avoidance in which the individual remains motionless and makes no effort to run or hide. The behavior is most often observed as a severe reaction or fear response to a threatening situation. Freezing behavior occurs in wild animals in response to alarm calls signifying the approach of a predator or other risk. See also immobility.

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Psychology term of the day

September 8th 2024

speciesism

n. discriminatory, prejudicial, or exploitative practices against nonhuman animals, often on the basis of an assumption of human superiority. See also animal rights. —speciesist n., adj.