habituation

noun

ha·​bit·​u·​a·​tion hə-ˌbi-chə-ˈwā-shən 

ha-, 

-chü-ˈā-

1

: the process of habituating : the state of being habituated

2

a

: tolerance to the effects of a drug acquired through continued use

b

: psychological dependence on a drug after a period of use compare addiction

3

: decrease in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus

Examples of habituation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But their personalities need to be managed to prevent human habituation, Fairfax said. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 18 July 2026

Officials highlight that human habituation, not the seal, is the danger, referencing the tragic fate of Freya the walrus. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The experts at the center fed and treated the animal in a way to prevent habituation or familiarity with humans, using coyote disguises and natural scents when in close proximity with her, officials said. — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Performance evaluation appears to actively resist the normal habituation process. — Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for habituation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

habituation

noun

ha·​bit·​u·​a·​tion -ˌbich-ə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: the act or process of making habitual or accustomed

2

a

: tolerance to the effects of a drug acquired through continued use

b

: psychological dependence on a drug after a period of use compare addiction

3

: a form of nonassociative learning characterized by a decrease in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus compare sensitization sense 3