Pavlovian

[ pav-loh-vee-uhn, -law-, -lov-ee- ]

/ pævˈloʊ vi ən, -ˈlɔ-, -ˈlɒv i- /

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adjective

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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Pavlovian

First recorded in 1925–30; Pavlov + -ian

Words nearby Pavlovian

Pavlodar, Pavlograd, Pavlohrad, Pavlov, Pavlova, Pavlovian, Pavlovian conditioning, Pavlov's dogs, Pavo, pavonine, paw

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Pavlovian in a sentence

But this Pavlovian trigger cannot be effective indefinitely.
The Nuclear Deal That Iran’s Regime Fears Most|Djavad Khadem|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Could it just be that prison itself conditions a sort of pavlovian reaction to carve chess pieces?
Reading Prison Novels In Prison|Daniel Genis|May 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Contrary to the Pavlovian GOP notion of Clinton, she is generally centrist in her views and approach.
Why Hillary vs. Jeb Would Be Great for America|Mark McKinnon|April 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Receiving a coffee-related gift triggers a Pavlovian response – elation, anticipation, a faux caffeine rush.
Buying a Gift Card Is Really Making a Free Loan to Big Business|Daniel Gross|December 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST

I can assure you that already in the Pavlovian swamps of the nutso right, the glands are swelling.
The Coming Attempt to Impeach Obama|Michael Tomasky|May 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The question alerted the mechanism which produced the almost-Pavlovian loyalty response.
General Max Shorter|Kris Ottman Neville

British Dictionary definitions for Pavlovian

Pavlovian

/ (pævˈləʊvɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to the work of Ivan Pavlov

(of a reaction or response) automatic; involuntary

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012