Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1915, in psychology, a back-formation from perseveration. Related: Perseverating; perseverative.
Wiktionary
vb. 1 describing the behavior, generally displayed by those with various developmental disabilities, of extraordinary, exclusive and lasting obsession to a detail or occurrence others consider minor. 2 to repeat or continue a pattern.
WordNet
v. psychology: repeat a response after the cessation of the original stimulus; "The subjects in this study perseverated"
Usage examples of "perseverate".
Clinton seemed to be making a good argument against impeachment by perseverating about a “right-wing” conspiracy out to get him.
During the 2000 presidential campaign, the media was issuing daily updates on the Bush intelligence issue, which, as usual, had become an “issue” solely by virtue of the media’s perseverating that it was an “issue.
Clinton seemed to be making a good argument against impeachment by perseverating about a "right-wing" conspiracy out to get him.