Thixotropy is a kind of special phenomenon in dispersion system rheology, that refers to a rheological phenomenon, in which the viscosity or shear force of these systems changes with time under agitation or other mechanical forces. Under the action of “emergency” external force, through short-term “response” changes in structural properties, it is of great significance to research and develop thixotropic materials to be applied in engineering applications, that require “transient response” such as emergency braking, shock mitigation, slow-moving escape, body armor, and mud cementing, etc. In this paper, the thixotropic substances in nature and engineering are analyzed. The research status of thixotropic materials is introduced from positive thixotropy and negative thixotropy. At the same time, the application fields and application prospects of thixotropic materials are analyzed.