instill

verb

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in·still | \ in-ˈstil

instilled; instilling; instills

Definition of instill

transitive verb

1 : to impart gradually instilling a love of learning in children

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

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 The Cottage is designed to instill security, warmth and a nurturing environment for as long as the children need a safe haven, many times through high school. — Chron, "HomeAid congratulates GHBA 'Of the Year Award' winners," 27 Feb. 2021 Berdis acted as a buffer between her husband’s rage, and continued to instill the importance of education and freedom into her children. — Ko Bragg, USA TODAY, "‘The Three Mothers’ honors women who raised Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, James Baldwin," 4 Feb. 2021 Perez helped instill values such as respect, good sportsmanship, honesty and teamwork. — Teri Webster, Dallas News, "Head coach of Plano Aerobats gymnastics team retires after 30 years leading popular program," 1 Feb. 2021 His program also includes strength and conditioning, and health and wellness plans to instill good habits. — Nathaniel Weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, "Brimming with young talent, Cathedral boys’ basketball building for the future," 21 Jan. 2021 During Mao Zedong’s reign, China used propaganda posters, art and tales of revolutionary heroes to instill a spirit of nationalism. — Liza Lin, WSJ, "Xi’s China Crafts Campaign to Boost Youth Patriotism," 30 Dec. 2020 So Jenkins received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on December 15 before cameras to instill confidence in the vaccine among her staff, becoming the latest high-profile health care professional to take such a step. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, "CEO of Howard University Hospital got the Covid-19 vaccine to encourage staff to follow her lead," 21 Dec. 2020 Other senior administration officials are expected to take the vaccine publicly to instill public confidence. — Rebecca Ballhaus, WSJ, "Mike Pence Gets Covid-19 Vaccine Amid National Immunization Campaign," 18 Dec. 2020 That’s on top of supplying buyers with one-year minimum warranties to instill trust. — Lindsey Tramuta, Fortune, "The promising future for online resale marketplaces," 30 Jan. 2021

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

5 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instill. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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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

instill

transitive verb

in·still | \ in-ˈstil

instilled; instilling