在心理学中，记忆（主要为长期记忆）由于有相同的提示(cue)，因此在提取(retrivel)记忆时，记忆彼此互相抑制，形成遗忘(forgetting)现象。

抑制可分为两种：

顺摄抑制(proactive inhibition)是指先前学习到的数据对后来学习数据的记忆产生干扰的倾向。例如，换了新的电话号码（后来的记忆），受旧的电话号码（先前的记忆）干扰而记不起新号码。

Interference theory is theory regarding human memory. Interference occurs in learning when there is an interaction between the new material and transfer effects of past learned behavior, memories or thoughts that have a negative influence in comprehending the new material. Bringing to memory old knowledge has the effect of impairing both the speed of learning and memory performance. There are two main kinds of interference: