1. to repeat or continue an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased
Usage: psychology; technical

Examples

• The patient continued to perseverate on the same word long after the conversation had moved on.
• Children with autism may perseverate on certain behaviors or topics of interest.
• After the brain injury, he would perseverate on simple tasks, unable to move to the next step.
• The therapist noted that the client would perseverate on negative thoughts.
• Students with ADHD sometimes perseverate on details instead of seeing the bigger picture.
• The researcher observed how participants would perseverate on incorrect responses even after feedback.