be·hav·ior
noun \bi-ˈhā-vyər, bē-\
: the way a person or animal acts or behaves
: the way something (such as a machine or substance) moves, functions, or reacts
Full Definition of BEHAVIOR
1a : 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 adjective
— be·hav·ior·al·ly 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]
be·hav·ior
noun (Medical Dictionary)
Medical Definition of BEHAVIOR
1: the manner of conducting oneself
2a : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation b : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
wendytheredhead 