forbidden experiment

proper noun

An experiment where an infant is isolated from the normal use of language in an attempt to discover the fundamental character of human nature or the origin of language.

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Meanings

proper nounthe forbidden experiment
  1. An experiment where an infant is isolated from the normal use of language in an attempt to discover the fundamental character of human nature or the origin of language.

Origin

So called because ethical guidelines would forbid it. Coined by American scholar Roger Shattuck.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

forbidden experiment. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forbidden%20experiment

MLA

“forbidden experiment.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forbidden%20experiment. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “forbidden experiment,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forbidden%20experiment.

Source: forbidden experiment on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.