instill

verb

in·still | \ in-ˈstil

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

, -(ˌ)sti- \ noun

instiller \ in-ˈsti-lər

\ noun

instillment \ in-ˈstil-mənt

\ 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

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 Nowadays, Aurand prepares for his final season as a defenseman for Davenport and credits hockey for instilling him with healthy confidence and self-esteem. — David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, "How hockey helps a collegiate player cope with autism: ‘When I get out on the ice, I always have felt I could be my true authentic self'," 25 June 2019 After Danny’s father is declared Missing-In-Action in Korea, and posthumously awarded the Silver Star for bravery, Danny must draw on the bravery his father instilled in him. — al.com, "Alabama author, veterans advocate releases first novel," 9 June 2019 The shocker, announced midway through this week’s exhibition, helped Boeing turn around a gloomy mood in Paris and instill confidence in the 737 Max, which has been grounded since March after two fatal crashes. — Time, "Airbus Vows to Fight Boeing for a Massive Jet Order," 20 June 2019 Thomas and McCray helped show Logan the value of hard work and instill in him a love of sports, and the two helped raise Logan while his mother worked multiple jobs at a juvenile detention center, in real estate and as a mental health clinician. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "A father's love: Lions TE Logan Thomas endured tragedy to be a stronger dad," 16 June 2019 Scarpelli said his dad instilled in him a love for the team, and a general love for the game. — Taylor Hartz, chicagotribune.com, "93-year-old Cubs fan, a 90-year-old Sox fan taking rivalry to Crosstown Classic," 4 June 2019 Joseph loved to read and instilled a lifelong love of fishing and the ocean in his son. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Joseph N. Bernadino," 31 May 2018 Through the Grammys The singer was close with his father Leon, who died in 2012, and remembers his dad instilling that love of nature in him. — Madison Roberts, PEOPLE.com, "Dierks Bentley's Lunch Speciality Is a Mean PB&J: 'I Can Make Three in Under 30 Seconds'," 21 May 2018

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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Last Updated

9 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for instill

The first known use of instill was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for instill

instill

verb

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

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