perseveration
noun
per·sev·er·a·tion
pər-ˌse-və-ˈrā-shən 
plural perseverations
: continuation of something (such as an activity or thought) usually to an extreme degree or beyond a desired point
specifically, psychology
: the continual involuntary repetition of a thought or behavior
Perseveration is said to occur when the patient continues to give the answer to the previous question in response to new questions. —
Lewis Senior
Lewis Senior One patient had intermittent perseveration of speech and writing. —Frank Adams et al.
Frank Adams et al. The perseverations associated with ASD [autism spectrum disorder] may be qualitatively different … than the repetitive and intrusive thoughts and actions associated with OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder]. —Susan L. Hyman et al.
Susan L. Hyman et al. Examples of perseveration in a Sentence
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There were also marginally significant improvements in tantrums, stimming/perseveration, and cognition.
—Nick Lavars, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
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Nick Lavars, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025
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“Perseveration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perseveration. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
perseveration
noun
per·sev·er·a·tion
pər-ˌsev-ə-ˈrā-shən
: the continual involuntary repetition of a thought or behavior
Rocking from side to side, finger wiggling, and repetition of words are all examples of perseveration. More specifically, the rocking and finger wiggling are examples of action-related perseveration demonstrated by many people with autism.—Tina Arora, Education
Tina Arora, EducationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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