Definition of behavior
1a : the manner of conducting (see 2conduct 4) oneself criminal behavior normal adolescent behaviorb : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulationc : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment They are studying the behavior of elephants in the wild.
2 : the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves (see behave 1) We were grateful for the gracious behavior of our hostess. The children were rewarded for good behavior. Be on your best behavior.; also : an instance of such behavior unacceptable social behaviors
3 : the way in which something functions or operates They tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.
From the M-W Editors
Examples of behavior in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of behavior from the Web
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Cox said that type of behavior demonstrates anxiety and, if observed, should lead to a referral for health care.
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DCPS has two databases, one to track student behavior referrals and another that tracks absences.
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That being the case, stop aping the behavior of celebrities and find your own personal owners manual within.
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Decades Of Misconduct And Beating The Law The report also documents RKelly’s long history of predatorial behavior towards young black women, citing numerous cases and complaints.
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Mice are social animals, and male mice establish a pecking order amongst themselves by displaying aggressive behavior.
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Both also adapt to driving situations based on acceleration, temperature, grade, stability control, and driver behavior.
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This is most people’s impression of the addiction: tawdry, pervy, sad, an excuse for laddish behavior.
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Trump's behavior towards Macron is sadly just the latest example of the president objectifying women.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'behavior.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other Psychology Terms
BEHAVIOR Defined for English Language Learners
behavior
playDefinition of behavior for English Language Learners
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: the way a person or animal acts or behaves
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: the way something (such as a machine or substance) moves, functions, or reacts
BEHAVIOR Defined for Kids
behavior
playDefinition of behavior for Students
1 : the manner in which a person acts Students are rewarded for good behavior.
2 : the whole activity of something and especially a living being Scientists observed the elephant's behavior.
Medical Dictionary
behavior
Medical Definition of behavior
1: the manner of conducting oneself
2a: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulationb: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
Learn More about behavior
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for behavior Spanish Central: Translation of behavior Nglish: Translation of behavior for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of behavior for Arabic speakers
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