juːs put a habit on (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition owls have nocturnal habits she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair long use had hardened him to it excessive use of drugs a distinctive attire worn by a member of a religious order attire that is typically worn by a horseback rider (especially a woman's attire) an established custom it was their habit to dine at 7 every evening the general form or mode of growth (especially of a plant or crystal) a shrub of spreading habit