DEFINITION: n. An ingrained habit which is so entrenched in individual's personality that they practically have an identity crisis if anyone tries to change it. v. To try to modify a person's instinctive behavior and/or unconscious habits.

Ticstinct

Created by: stache

Pronunciation: tĭk'stĭngkt'

Sentence: Lucinda tried putting her hand on his in a gentle way, the same in a harsher, more abrupt way, requesting, cadjoling, hosing with cold water, offers of sex, and brutal beatings but through none of her efforts was she able to break Fatima's ticstinct to scratch with her fingernails on the wooden arm of the futon they shared in the sitting room of their apartment.

Etymology: tic, a nervous or unconscious action or habit; instinct, an inborn pattern of activity

Points: 1136

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