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instill

verb
in·​still | \ in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio) \
instilled; instilling; instills

Definition of instill

transitive verb

1 : to cause to enter drop by drop instill medication into the infected eye
2 : to impart gradually instilling a love of learning in children
Other Words from instill Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about instill

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Other Words from instill

instillation \ ˌin(t)-​stə-​ˈlā-​shən How to pronounce instillation (audio) , -​(ˌ)sti-​ \ noun
instiller \ in-​ˈsti-​lər How to pronounce instiller (audio) \ noun
instillment \ in-​ˈstil-​mənt How to pronounce instillment (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for instill

implant, inculcate, instill, inseminate, infix mean to introduce into the mind. implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught. implanted a love of reading in her students inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind. tried to inculcate in him high moral standards instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time. instill traditional values in your children inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation. inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought. infixed a chronic cynicism

Examples of instill in a Sentence

a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause

Recent Examples on the Web

 Explorers have shared characteristics: Vision, passion, the ability to instill confidence in others, and the resilience to see it through. — Tim Jarvis, Quartz, "Ernest Shackleton’s story teaches us leadership—and also how to fight climate change," 23 Aug. 2019 As Texas State works toward the start of the 2019 season, a youthful coaching staff is instilling a fresh mentality. — Greg Luca, ExpressNews.com, "New coach Jake Spavital brings fresh mentality to Texas State," 18 Aug. 2019 SpongeBob SquarePants was instilled with its creator’s own buoyant spirit, capacity for silliness, and child’s-eye view of the world. — Darryn King, Longreads, "The Young Man and the Sea Sponge," 13 Aug. 2019 There are so many ways to instill self-sufficiency in children, but withholding comfort is not one of them. — Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, "Ask Amy: Parents argue over putting their kids on ice," 10 June 2019 So that just really instilled a very strong work ethic in my life at a young age of 12. — Molly Longman, refinery29.com, "The Bachelorette’s Cam On Lymphedema, The ‘Pity Rose,’ And His Catchphrase," 5 June 2019 But this quality was not born in her of its own accord; it was instilled in her by the era. — Sarah Vitali, Harper's magazine, "Kill Your Darlings," 10 May 2019 In fact, universities routinely try to instill in their students a culture of giving back, be it for sports or other university purposes. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Billy Napier's New Donation Team Rule for Louisiana Players Raises Questions," 16 Aug. 2019 Why not make this a teachable moment and try to instill Darwin’s concept of survival of the fittest? — Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, "Singin’ in the Acid Rain," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'instill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of instill

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for instill

Middle English, from Latin instillare, from in- + stillare to drip, from stilla drop

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More Definitions for instill

instill

verb
How to pronounce instill (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of instill

: to gradually cause someone to have (an attitude, feeling, etc.)

See the full definition for instill in the English Language Learners Dictionary

instill

verb
in·​still | \ in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio) \
instilled; instilling

Kids Definition of instill

: to put into the mind little by little Patience with the ways of nature had been instilled in her by her father.— Jean Craighead George, Julie of the Wolves

instill

transitive verb
in·​still | \ in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio) \
instilled; instilling

Medical Definition of instill

: to cause to enter especially drop by drop instill medication into the infected eye

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