behavior

The way a person or animal acts, especially towards others.

• His behavior upset me.
• The teacher praised their good behavior.
• We studied the birds’ behavior during winter.

Similar words: conduct, actions

Common phrases: good behavior, bad behavior, human behavior, social behavior

A particular action or habit that a person or animal shows.

• Grooming is a common behavior in monkeys.
• The researchers recorded several feeding behaviors.
• Children can learn a new behavior through practice.

Similar words: action, habit

Common phrases: learned behavior, repeated behavior, a common behavior

An action that breaks rules or causes problems, especially in a care setting.

• The patient had a behavior during lunch.
• Staff recorded two behaviors in her notes.
• Report any behavior that puts other residents at risk.

Similar words: incident, problem behavior

Common phrases: document a behavior, report a behavior