The meaning of BEHAVIOR is the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves; also : an instance of such behavior. How to use behavior in a sentence.
Before a behavior actually occurs, antecedents focus on the stimuli that influence the behavior that is about to happen. After the behavior occurs, consequences fall into place.
Behavior is the most general: The children were on their best behavior. Conduct applies to actions considered from the standpoint of morality and ethics: "Life, not the parson, teaches conduct" (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.).
Behavior, conduct, deportment, comportment refer to one's actions before or toward others, esp. on a particular occasion. Behavior refers to actions usually measured by commonly accepted standards: His behavior at the party was childish.