WordLens

atavistic

1 of 1adjective
/ˌætəˈvɪstɪk/
1

showing traits or behaviors that resemble those of distant ancestors, often primitive or ancient in nature

  • His sudden aggression was an atavistic throwback to humanity's primal instincts.
  • The ritual was full of atavistic symbols from ancient times.
  • Her fear of the dark seemed almost atavistic.
  • The tribe maintained atavistic hunting traditions.
  • The howl carried an atavistic quality that stirred something deep inside them.
Synonyms:
throwback(a)