Definition of "atavistic" []

Of the recurrence of a trait reappearing after an absence of one or more generations due to a chance recombination of genes. (adjective)
Of a throwback or exhibiting primitivism. (adjective)
Relating to earlier, more primitive behavior that returns after an absence. (adjective)

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Use "atavistic" in a sentence

"Members of the audience actually gasped when Hayek referred to Socialism as 'atavistic' - the reversion to an older, more primitive form."
"Maybe they're just being atavistic, which is generally part of the successful business person's act anyway."
"But such cases are so infrequent that they may well be counted atavistic, that is, of the nature of a tendency to return to a previous merely animal condition."

Words like "atavistic"

animalistic atavic atavism atavist

atavistically deep-seated fight-or-flight instinctual

premonitory primal regressive

throwback(prenominal)

uncontrollable unreasoned unreasoning visceral