atavisticadjective
uk/ˌæt.əˈvɪs.tɪk/us/ˌæt̬.əˈvɪs.tɪk/formalhappening because of a very old habit from a long time ago in human history, not because of a conscious decision or because it is necessary now:
an atavistic fear of the dark
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Habitual behaviour
- creature
- creature of habit idiom
- custom
- diet
- disposition
- dog
- foible
- force
- kink
- penchant
- practice
- predisposition
- proclivity
- programme
- propensity
- ritual
- take
- wont
- you can't teach an old dog new tricks idiom
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atavism
noun [ U ] uk/ˈæt.ə.vɪ.zəm/us/ˈæt̬.ə.vɪ.zəm/