perseveration

per·sev·er·a·tion  (pr-sv-rshn)

n.

1. Psychology

a. 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.

b. The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.

2. The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance.

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perseveration [pɜːˌsɛvəˈreɪʃən]

n Psychol

1. (Psychology) the tendency for an impression, idea, or feeling to dissipate only slowly and to recur during subsequent experiences

2. (Psychology) an inability to change one's method of working when transferred from one task to another

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	perseveration - the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it inclination, tendency, disposition - an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others; "he had an inclination to give up too easily"; "a tendency to be too strict"
	2.	perseveration - the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior; "his perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate" perseverance, persistence continuance, continuation - the act of continuing an activity without interruption