instructin‧struct /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ ●●○ AWL verb [transitive] 
His secretary was instructed to cancel all his engagements.instruct (somebody) that The judge immediately instructed that Beattie be released. Eva went straight to the hotel, as instructed (=as she had been told).instruct somebody what to do He had instructed the slaves what to say when questioned.► see thesaurus at order2 formal to teach someone something, or show them how to do somethinginstruct somebody in something Greater effort is needed to instruct children in road safety.instruct somebody how to do something Employees are instructed how to make a complaint.► see thesaurus at teach3British English formal to officially tell someone about somethingbe instructed that I was instructed that £20,000 had been paid into my account.GRAMMAR Instruct is usually passive in this meaning.4British English law to employ a lawyer to represent you in court
WORD ORIGINinstruct
Origin:
1400-1500 Latin past participle of instruere, from struere ‘to build’VERB TABLE
instruct
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | instruct |
| he, she, it | instructs | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | instructed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have instructed |
| he, she, it | has instructed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had instructed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will instruct |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have instructed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am instructing |
| he, she, it | is instructing | |
| you, we, they | are instructing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was instructing |
| you, we, they | were instructing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been instructing |
| he, she, it | has been instructing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been instructing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be instructing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been instructing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- It is a good idea to instruct a specialist company to inspect the property for damp.
- New recruits are instructed in marching and the handling of weapons.
- One of the secretaries had been instructed to reserve me a seat on the next plane to London.
- She took the tablets three times every day, as instructed by her doctor.
- The person who instructed you obviously didn't know much about map-reading!
THESAURUSto tell someone they must do something
to tell someone that they must do something, using your official power or authority: · A policeman ordered him to stop.· He ordered his men to put down their weapons.· ‘Don’t move,’ he ordered.
to say to someone that they must do something: · Stop telling me what to do!· The headmaster told me to wait outside his office.
to tell someone exactly what they must do: · The police chief gave orders to shoot.· The doctor gave instructions that she should rest as much as possible.
used about a high-ranking person such as a general, captain, or king ordering someone to do something: · The general commanded the troops to fall back.· They believe that the Lord has commanded them to do this.
formal to tell someone to do something, especially when you tell them exactly how it should be done: · The architect was instructed to keep the plans simple.· She took three tablets every day, as instructed by her doctor.
to give someone an official or legal order to do something: · The judge directed the jury to find her not guilty.
to officially order someone to appear in a court of law in order to answer questions: · Another three of the president’s advisors were subpoenaed.
to give lessons in a school, college, or university: · I taught for a year in France.· He teaches physics at York University.
to teach in a college or university by giving talks to groups of students on a subject: · He lectures in engineering at a local college.
formal to teach someone how to do something, especially a particular practical skill: · He was instructing them how to use the computer system.· Staff are instructed in how to respond in the event of a fire.
to teach one student or a small group: · I found work tutoring Mexican students in English.
especially British English to give private lessons, especially so that someone can pass an important test: · He coaches students for their university entrance exams.
to teach a person or group of people in the particular skills or knowledge they need to do a job: · It will take at least a month to train the new assistant.
to teach someone over a long period, usually at school or university: · He was educated in England.· Her parents want to educate her at home.
informal to show someone how to do a job or task that they have just started doing: · Miss McGinley will show you the ropes and answer any questions you may have.
Longman Language Activatorto teach someone a skill or how to do something · I've always wanted to learn to ski - could you teach me?teach something to somebody · It took us several hours to teach all the dance moves to the girls.teach somebody something · Grandpa taught me a new card trick.teach somebody (how) to do something · Who taught you to drive?· My mother taught me how to cook.
to teach someone the practical skills and knowledge that they need to do a job: · A lot of employers don't train their staff properly.train somebody to do something: · All employees will be trained to use the new computer system.· The dog was trained to detect illegal drugs.train somebody in something: · We train people in skills such as typing and business administration.
to teach a person or a team the skills they need for a sport: · He seems to enjoy coaching children.· We need someone to coach the school team.· As well as teaching French, Martin coached tennis in his spare time.
to teach someone about something, especially a practical subject or skill, by explaining it and showing them what to do: · The person who instructed you obviously didn't know much about map-reading!instruct somebody in something: · New recruits are instructed in marching and the handling of weapons.
informal to show someone how to do something such as a job that they are new to: · You'll need someone with you for the first few days to show you the ropes.· Susan will show you the ropes and answer any questions that you have.
to officially tell someone to do something · Only the king has the power to order her release from prison.· After the accident the government ordered a full public enquiry.order somebody to do something · The colonel ordered his men to advance.· He was ordered to pay a total of £65 compensation.order that · The court ordered that Gilmore should be executed.order somebody into/out of/back etc · It wasn't until 1973 that Nixon finally ordered US troops out of Vietnam.
to officially tell someone to do something, especially when you tell them exactly how it should be done: instruct somebody to do something: · It is a good idea to instruct a specialist company to inspect the property for damp. · One of the secretaries had been instructed to reserve me a seat on the next plane to London.as instructed (=in the way that you have been instructed): · She took the tablets three times every day, as instructed by her doctor.
if someone such as a leader or officer gives orders or gives instructions , they tell other people exactly what they must do: give orders/instructions to do something: · It was the police chief who had given orders to shoot.give orders/instructions that: · The doctor left after giving instructions that she should rest as much as possible.give somebody orders/instructions: · The General has given them orders to bomb the city.give (somebody) strict instructions: · We were given strict instructions that nobody should be allowed in the building without a security card.
if someone such as a leader or officer issues orders or issues instructions , they tell people exactly what they should do, especially by sending a written statement: · The EC plans to issue orders banning the sale of the drug.issue orders/instructions that: · The Department of Defense has issued instructions that no one should enter the area without permission.
if a government, parliament, or court decrees that something should happen, they officially order it by making a law or by changing the existing law: · The government decreed a ban on all contact with the guerrillas by local and provincial government officials.decree (that): · In 1929 Parliament decreed that all women should have the right to vote.
if someone such as a king or a military officer commands someone to do something, they tell them officially that they must do it: command somebody to do something: · Admiral Boyle commanded the entire crew to assemble on deck.command that: · The King had the power to command that parliament be dissolved.
if someone in a position of legal authority such as a judge directs someone to do something, they order them to do it: · The judge directed the jury to find her not guilty.· He was jailed for refusing to answer questions when directed to do so in court.
to officially order someone to appear in a court of law in order to answer questions - used in legal contexts: · If you refuse to attend the trial we can always get you subpoenaed.· Another three of the president's advisors were subpoenaed.
WORD SETSaccess, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Eva went straight to the hotel, as instructed (=as she had been told).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Eva went straight to the hotel, as instructed (=as she had been told). (=tells it what to decide)· The judge directed the jury to find her not guilty.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· The first role clearly requires their presence in court throughout the hearing to instruct the local authority solicitor as necessary.· He asked Office minister David Mellor whether he still wished or instructed local authorities to enforce the law as it now stands.
· Those proxy votes must be used in support of incumbent management unless the shareholder specifically instructs the bank otherwise.· The government could then instruct all banks not to push companies into default and not to dispose of any collateral.
· It is said that prior to birth the angels instruct the child in full knowledge of life and the universe.· Similarly, parents instruct their children not to smoke or drink, yet the parents may engage in those activities themselves.· At their weekly visits, fieldworkers were instructed to refer ill children to the clinics, according to specified criteria.
· The Chief Officer was instructed by the Council to have discussions with representatives of the Oxford authority.· But it is five months since Mr Hussein swallowed his neighbour and was instructed by the Security Council to disgorge it.
· The trial judge instructed the jury to ignore the concept of a lien.· On Friday morning, the judge instructed the jury.· The judge instructed the jury about legal points.
· Injunctions were issued and some of the unions instructed their members to stop the forbidden activities.· The Congress instructed its members and friends to withdraw from the legislatures, and sanctioned civil disobedience and nonpayment of taxes.· At first sight, this would appear to be a Community instrument instructing Member States as to how to exercise their national competence.
· The Fire Brigade was to be asked to instruct the officers in the use of the appliances.· He instructed his officers to build strong relationships with churches, businesses, PTAs, and other community organizations.· The Secretary instructed the Crown's officers at home and overseas.· Admiral Ugaki promptly instructed subordinate staff officers to make a detailed study of the practicability of his plan.· The buddy patrol will not interfere with any police matter, unless instructed by a commanding officer.
· A solicitor may be instructed to draft the company's memorandum and articles of association, and a registration fee is payable.
· The editor could then instruct staff to upload them for approval.· Admiral Ugaki promptly instructed subordinate staff officers to make a detailed study of the practicability of his plan.· He instructed his staff to refuse all interviews with the snoopy columnist and refer all questions to himself.· At the same time I instructed the engineering staff to bring the temperature in their bedroom to sixty-five degrees.
· She then instructed her subjects to duplicate these postures as precisely as possible.
WORD FAMILYnouninstructioninstructoradjectiveinstructiveinstructionalverbinstructadverbinstructively
1to officially tell someone what to doinstruct somebody to do something His secretary was instructed to cancel all his engagements.instruct (somebody) that The judge immediately instructed that Beattie be released. Eva went straight to the hotel, as instructed (=as she had been told).instruct somebody what to do He had instructed the slaves what to say when questioned.► see thesaurus at order2 formal to teach someone something, or show them how to do somethinginstruct somebody in something Greater effort is needed to instruct children in road safety.instruct somebody how to do something Employees are instructed how to make a complaint.► see thesaurus at teach3British English formal to officially tell someone about somethingbe instructed that I was instructed that £20,000 had been paid into my account.GRAMMAR Instruct is usually passive in this meaning.4British English law to employ a lawyer to represent you in court