First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
behavior
noun be·hav·ior \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
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
See behavior defined for English-language learners
See behavior defined for kids
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Origin of BEHAVIOR
alteration of Middle English behavour, from behaven
Related to BEHAVIOR
- Synonyms
- actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment, geste (also gest) [archaic]
Other Psychology Terms
BEHAVIOR Defined for Kids
behavior
noun be·hav·ior \bi-ˈhāv-yər\
Definition of BEHAVIOR for Kids
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
noun be·hav·ior
Medical Definition of BEHAVIOR
1
: the manner of conducting oneself
2
a : anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation b : the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment
—be·hav·ior·al or chiefly British be·hav·iour·al \-vyə-rəl\ adjective
—be·hav·ior·al·ly or chiefly British be·hav·iour·al·ly \-rə-lē\ adverb
Variants of BEHAVIOR
be·hav·ior or chiefly British be·hav·iour \bi-ˈhā-vyər\
Learn More About BEHAVIOR
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