instill

verb

in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
instilled; instilling; instills

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
instillation noun
instiller noun
instillment 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 According to Desna, the purpose of her project is instilled in her desire to create a positive platform where people can listen to techno. Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 The veteran journalist shared that her parents, Harvey and Juliet Welker, instilled in her a strong sense of family values and the importance of hard work. Melissa Noel, Essence, 25 Oct. 2024 Self-efficacy Having a job can instill a sense of achievement and confidence as teens tackle new challenges and navigate real-world situations. Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 22 Oct. 2024 Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame In her speech, Cher said she was inspired by Cinderella and thanked her mother for instilling in her to always get back up after defeat. CBS News, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instill 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instill. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

instill

verb
in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
: to gradually cause to feel or have
instill a love of music
instillation noun
instiller noun

Medical Definition

instill

transitive verb
in·​still in-ˈstil How to pronounce instill (audio)
instilled; instilling
: to cause to enter especially drop by drop
instill medication into the infected eye

More from Merriam-Webster on instill

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