Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

atavistic

adjective

ˌatəˈvistik

Definition

relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral

Examples

The artist’s style was seen as an atavistic throwback to the early days of painting.
His atavistic fear of the dark stopped him from exploring the old mansion.
Many argue that some atavistic tendencies still influence human behavior today.

Meaning

Atavistic refers to behaviors, traits, or characteristics that are reminiscent of a distant ancestor or from primitive times. It’s often used to describe instincts or actions that seem to originate from a previous evolutionary stage.