force of habit

noun

1. behavior occurring without thought and by virtue of constant repetition; habit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of force of habit¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“Our ideals seem to recede in the face of reality, a certain force of habit takes over, and the difficulties that once seemed unimaginable appear to challenge our fidelity.”

From Seattle Times

Perhaps it was force of habit that when Paul George discussed how the Clippers could manage their deep roster’s looming crunch for playing time Monday, the star forward called on using “the Team USA approach.”

From Los Angeles Times

While the host, in part, was deflecting, the deflection was also a force of habit.

From Slate

By force of habit, I switch on the radio.

From BBC

The idea is to give consumers a reason beyond force of habit to buy what P&G is selling.

From Washington Post