b(n) = -4 - 2(n - 1)

To find the \( 12^\text{th} \) term in the sequence defined by the formula \( b(n) = -4 - 2(n - 1) \), we need to substitute \( n = 12 \) into the formula.

Let's calculate it step-by-step:

1. Substitute \( n = 12 \) into the formula:
\[
b(12) = -4 - 2(12 - 1)
\]

2. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses:
\[
12 - 1 = 11
\]

3. Now substitute this value back into the equation:
\[
b(12) = -4 - 2(11)
\]

4. Calculate \( 2(11) \):
\[
2(11) = 22
\]

5. Now substitute this value back in:
\[
b(12) = -4 - 22
\]

6. Finally, calculate:
\[
b(12) = -26
\]

Therefore, the \( 12^\text{th} \) term in the sequence is \( \boxed{-26} \).