atavism — the tendency to revert to something ancient or ancestral
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the tendency to revert to something ancient or ancestral
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- The baby's tail was a rare case of atavism from our evolutionary past.
- His sudden urge to eat raw meat was pure atavism from his carnivorous ancestors.
- The politician's tribal nationalism was criticized as dangerous atavism.
atavism
NOUN[/ˈætəˌvɪzəm/]
the tendency to revert to something ancient or ancestral
a well-dressed businessman suddenly pounds his chest and bares his teeth at his colleagues during a tense negotiation. He abandons his civilized demeanor and displays aggressive territorial behavior like his primitive ancestors. The stress of the meeting triggers his ancient fight-or-flight instincts to take over his modern rational thinking. His polished business suit contrasts sharply with his caveman-like posturing and intimidation tactics. Other suited colleagues step back in shock as they witness his sudden regression to primal behavior. the tendency to revert to something ancient or ancestral
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'atavus' meaning 'ancestor' or 'forefather.' The term was coined in the 19th century to describe the biological phenomenon where traits from distant ancestors suddenly reappear in descendants.
Breakdown
atav- (ancestor) + -ism (condition or phenomenon)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The baby's tail was a rare case of atavism from our evolutionary past.”
“His sudden urge to eat raw meat was pure atavism from his carnivorous ancestors.”
“The politician's tribal nationalism was criticized as dangerous atavism.”
“When stressed, some people show atavism by reverting to childhood behaviors.”
📚Related Words
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