instinct

1 of 2

noun

in·​stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

1

: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity

had an instinct for the right word

2

a

: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason

b

: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level

instinctual

in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl 

-chəl

-shwəl

-chü-əl

adjective

instinctually adverb

instinct

2 of 2

adjective

in·​stinct in-ˈstiŋ(k)t  ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

1

: profoundly imbued : infused

my mood, instinct with romance

—S. J. Perelman

2

obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency

Examples of instinct in a Sentence

Noun

Our first instinct was to run.

Cats possess a natural hunting instinct.

Seeing the baby aroused all her maternal instincts.

He has been guided throughout his career by his political instincts.

Mere instinct alerted her to the danger.

He knew by instinct what not to say.

She seemed to know by instinct that something was wrong.

He has a strong survival instinct.

an athlete with good instincts

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Our instincts are meant to keep us away from danger and near safety in a complex world—and even save your life. —Emma Seppälä, TIME, 23 Apr. 2024

Draft profiles praise his football IQ, his tackling ability, his instincts. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing instinct

• death instinct
• homing instinct
• killer instinct
• survival instinct

Kids Definition

instinct

noun

in·​stinct

ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t

1

: a natural ability or inclination

2

a

: an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is usually inherited and is automatic rather than learned

b

: behavior that is based on automatic actions

Medical Definition

instinct

noun

in·​stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

1

: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason

2

: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level