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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

 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 While public executions were more common in the 1990s, North Korea continues to carry them out for the purpose of instilling fear in the general population, the report said. — Washington Post, "Human rights group locates North Korean execution sites," 11 June 2019 But the kids generally got the hang of it fairly quickly, usually after a few fistfuls of throttle that instilled a healthy respect for the bike's power. — Ezra Dyer, Popular Mechanics, "Why the Honda CRF50F Is the Quintessential Starter Dirt Bike," 28 Nov. 2018 Our volunteering has also instilled a resourcefulness in my cooking, making me a more thoughtful and efficient home cook. — Julia Turshen, Twin Cities, "How cooking for charity made me a better cook at home," 4 July 2019 Notwithstanding problems, the program has instilled in Nigerians a sense that education alone is not enough to build a healthy society. — Shobana Shankar, Quartz Africa, "What the United States could learn from Nigeria about taking on anti-vaxxers," 7 June 2019 Those stark divides run counter to France’s attempts to instill a uniform sense of citizenship among its 65 million people, a core principle of the country. — Time, "The Brutal Murder of a Holocaust Survivor Is Raising Anti-Semitism Fears in France," 29 Mar. 2018 Jay Judah said her sons credit him for instilling a lifelong work ethic in them. — Hailey Branson-potts, latimes.com, "After half a century, Rancho Palos Verdes bids bon voyage to the Admiral Risty restaurant," 3 July 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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