perseveration

n.

1. Psychology.
   1. Uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder.
   2. The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.
2. The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance.

(pər-sĕv'ə-rā'shən)
n.

1. Uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder.
2. The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.

[L.] continuation of something (as repetition of a word) usually to an exceptional degree or beyond a desired point; hence, perseverate, by back-formation
"perseverate, perseverate, perseverate.." - anon

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The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it

Meaning #2: the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
  Synonyms: perseverance, persistence

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