Definition of "perseveration" [perseveration]

• Psychology Uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder. (noun)
• Psychology The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus. (noun)
• The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "One abnormality of this function is called perseveration, which is the unnecessary repetition or maintenance of action."
• "Some words are repeated in a stereotyped fashion, called perseveration."
• "Occasionally other abnormalities are noted, such as perseveration or distraction."