1. repetitive, ritualistic behaviors or movements that serve no obvious function, often seen in animals in captivity or individuals with certain developmental conditions
Usage: psychology; veterinary science; plural form

Examples

• The zoo worked to reduce stereotypies in the captive bears by enriching their environment.
• Pacing and head-bobbing are common stereotypies observed in stressed animals.
• The researcher documented various stereotypies exhibited by the laboratory mice.
• Environmental enrichment programs aim to minimize stereotypies in zoo animals.
• The veterinarian noted that the horse’s repetitive weaving was one of several stereotypies.
• Stereotypies often develop when animals are kept in barren, unstimulating conditions.