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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the sisters have indistinguishable hairstyles, Davis instills her characters with completely distinct personalities without being over-the-top about it, in ways only a master can. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 Some parents worry that Alexa's high tolerance for rudeness instills poor behavior in their kids, according to Quartz. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 But Trump’s return to the White House, and his extreme crackdown on immigration — including the detainment and deportation of valid visa and green card holders — has instilled some new fears into Young. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 Born in 1912 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Rustin was raised by Quaker grandparents who instilled in him the principles of nonviolence and equality. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instill

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instill. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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