instill

verb

in·​still in-ˈstil 

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

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən 

-(ˌ)sti-

noun

instiller

in-ˈsti-lər 

noun

instillment

in-ˈstil-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• breed
• enroot
• implant
• inculcate
• infix
• inseminate
• plant
• sow

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

And he’s had the ability to instill that passion about all aspects of theater, from design to performance. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

The prospect of grabbing No. 20 has instilled extra motivation in the Team Penske squad that operates Porsche’s 963 LMDh cars in the I.M.S.A. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Even for those who choose to return to drinking after Dry January, the experience often instills greater awareness and a more moderate approach to drinking. —Lela London, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Brunson credits head coach Tom Thibodeau for instilling that mentality. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

instill

verb

in·​still in-ˈstil 

: to gradually cause to feel or have

instill a love of music

instillation

ˌin(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

instiller noun

Medical Definition

instill

transitive verb

in·​still in-ˈstil 

instilled; instilling

: to cause to enter especially drop by drop

instill medication into the infected eye