instill

play

verb in·still \in-ˈstil\

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

instillation

play \ˌin(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən, -(ˌ)sti-\ noun

instiller

play \in-ˈsti-lər\ noun

instillment

play \in-ˈstil-mənt\ noun

See instill defined for English-language learners

See instill defined for kids

Examples of instill in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of instill

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of 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

INSTILL Defined for English Language Learners

instill

play

verb in·still \in-ˈstil\

Definition of instill for English Language Learners

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

INSTILL Defined for Kids

instill

play

verb in·still \in-ˈstil\

Definition of instill for Students

instilled

;

instilling

: 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