behavior
be·hav·ior
noun \bi-ˈhā-vyər, bē-\Definition of BEHAVIOR
1
a : the manner of conducting oneself b : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation c : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
2
: the way in which someone behaves; also : an instance of such behavior
3
: the way in which something functions or operates
— be·hav·ior·al \-vyə-rəl\ adjective
— be·hav·ior·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
Examples of BEHAVIOR
- I'm surprised by her bad behavior toward her friends.
- Students will be rewarded for good behavior.
- scientists studying the behavior of elephants
- An acceptable social behavior in one country may be unacceptable in another country.
- Doctors are trying to educate people about behaviors that can put them at increased risk for skin cancer.
- The experiment tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
Origin of BEHAVIOR
alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to BEHAVIOR
Synonyms: actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment, geste (also gest) [archaic]
Related Words: etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties; p's and q's; amenity, civility, courtesy, decorum, politeness; air, attitude, carriage, poise, pose, posture, presence; aspect, look, mien; formality, protocol, rules; custom, habit, habitude, pattern, practice (also practise), trick, wont; convention, fashion, form, mode, style; affectation, attribute, characteristic, mark, trait; distinctiveness, oddity, peculiarity, singularity, strangeness, uniqueness, weirdness
Other Psychology Terms
Learn More About BEHAVIOR
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: behavioralist
Previous Word in the Dictionary: behave
All Words Near: behavior
Previous Word in the Dictionary: behave
All Words Near: behavior
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up behavior? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).






See 

