atavism
noun [ C or U ] uk/ˈæt.ə.vɪ.zəm/ us/ˈæt̬.ə.vɪ.zəm/
返祖（现象）
a feeling or reaction that comes from long ago in human history, rather than being necessary or appropriate in modern times
There is something disconcerting about the seeming atavism of demonstrators carrying torches. 示威者拿着火把这种表面上的返祖行为似乎有一些令人不安的地方。
I don't believe the urge to connect with other people is an atavism. 我不认为与他人交往的冲动是一种返祖现象。
See: atavistic
- More examples
- Farms are modern workplaces, not arcadian gardens for enjoying indulgent atavism.
- Maybe the culture of violence is an atavism left over from primitive times.
- A theory developed by astrobiologists suggests that cancer is an atavism, an evolutionary throwback.