Pavlovian

American  

[pav-loh-vee-uhn, -law-, -lov-ee-] / pævˈloʊ vi ən, -ˈlɔ-, -ˈlɒv i- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Pavlov or his work, especially of experiments in which he elicited predictable responses from laboratory animals.

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Pavlovian British  

/ pævˈləʊvɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the work of Ivan Pavlov

2. (of a reaction or response) automatic; involuntary

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Etymology

Origin of Pavlovian

First recorded in 1925–30; Pavlov + -ian

Example Sentences

I’m of course referring to climate change, a topic embedded with some sort of Pavlovian trigger that immediately gets most people to tune out as soon as it is mentioned.

From Salon

Thus the journalism world is having one hell of a difficult time communicating with its audience — unless we lace our news with Pavlovian cues.

From Salon

Is the press merely operating in Pavlovian fashion, in the same manner they clean up grammar and usage according to the AP style manual?

From Salon

He seems to enjoy repeating the line because it elicits cheers from his audiences, who react as if in the grip of a Pavlovian reflex.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s like hearing the sizzle of fajitas being paraded through a dining room, creating a Pavlovian response.

From Seattle Times