instruct

instruct

verb

Definition of INSTRUCT

1

to cause to acquire knowledge or skill in some field <spent his military career instructing young pilots>

Synonyms educate, indoctrinate, instruct, lesson, school, train, tutor

Related Words coach, mentor; drill, fit, ground, habilitate, prepare, prime, qualify; direct, guide, lead, rear; catechize, lecture, moralize, preach; implant, inculcate, instill (also instil); homeschool; edify, enlighten; brief, familiarize, impart (to), inform, verse; initiate, introduce, show; reeducate, reschool, reteach, retrain

2

to give information to <instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system>

Synonyms acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, catch up, clear, clue (in), familiarize, fill in, hip, inform, instruct, tell, verse, wise (up)

Related Words advertise, alert, notify; announce (to), disclose (to); assure, certify, convince, reassure, warrant; educate, lecture, school, teach, tutor; disabuse, disenchant, disillusion, undeceive

Near Antonyms misinform, mislead

3

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority <the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests>

Synonyms adjure, bid, boss (around), charge, direct, enjoin, instruct, order, tell

Related Words ask, petition, request; beg, beseech, entreat; advise, counsel, warn; appoint, assign, authorize, commission; oversee, superintend, supervise; conduct, control, lead, manage; coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require

Near Antonyms comply (with), follow, keep, observe

Antonyms mind, obey