instinct
1 of 2noun
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
adjective -chəl
-shwəl
-chü-əl
instinctually adverb
instinct
2 of 2adjective
in·stinct in-ˈstiŋ(k)t ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 1
: profoundly imbued : infused
my mood, instinct with romance
S. J. Perelman
S. J. Perelman2
obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency
Example Sentences
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 See More
Recent Examples on the Web Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 In a movie that’s partly about the human instinct to care for other people, Chau breaks your heart. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2022 In that way, the Air Raid remains as much about the moxie of its coach as anything else, rewarding those who refuse the instinct to skate along with the status quo. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022 It’s the natural human instinct to shy away from such circumstances, especially when there are extensive repercussions at stake. Ron Carucci, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 The females are capable of stinging, but lack the instinct to guard their nest like a honeybee. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 With many of Variant’s current bets among the most known and successful in Web3, the instinct of Walden and Jin seems to be on point. Taylor Locke, Fortune, 28 July 2022 Some gay leaders argued that the instinct to live in communities of like-minded people remained a powerful draw and that there would always be some version of a gayborhood, though perhaps not as concentrated and powerful. New York Times, 3 July 2022 When a woman and man see the footage of Kamala's powers, the first instinct is to brush it off. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 8 June 2022 Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 17 June 2016 See More
Noun
For some, the instinct to stay quiet has grown more difficult. Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 In a movie that’s partly about the human instinct to care for other people, Chau breaks your heart. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2022 In that way, the Air Raid remains as much about the moxie of its coach as anything else, rewarding those who refuse the instinct to skate along with the status quo. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2022 It’s the natural human instinct to shy away from such circumstances, especially when there are extensive repercussions at stake. Ron Carucci, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 The females are capable of stinging, but lack the instinct to guard their nest like a honeybee. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 With many of Variant’s current bets among the most known and successful in Web3, the instinct of Walden and Jin seems to be on point. Taylor Locke, Fortune, 28 July 2022 Some gay leaders argued that the instinct to live in communities of like-minded people remained a powerful draw and that there would always be some version of a gayborhood, though perhaps not as concentrated and powerful. New York Times, 3 July 2022 When a woman and man see the footage of Kamala's powers, the first instinct is to brush it off. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 8 June 2022 Adjective
Mr. Hickenlooper’s denouncement could serve to highlight for Mrs. Clinton’s team his instinct to battle the rival nominee, an important role that vice-presidential candidates play for the top of the ticket. Maggie Haberman, New York Times, 17 June 2016 See More 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
Kids Definition
instinct
noun
in·stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋkt
1
: an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is automatic rather than learned
It's a cat's instinct to hunt.
2
: a way of knowing something without learning or thinking about it
Her instincts told her to wait.
3
: a natural ability He has an instinct for making money.
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
instincts
noun
as in tendencies
a usually innate ability or desire to perform a specific activity Pouncing on mice is a cat's natural instinct. We needed all of our survival instincts to make it through the weeks lost at sea. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tendencies
- skills
- inclinations
- impulses
- dispositions
- proclivities
- predispositions
- predilections
- propensities
- affinities
- urges
- biases
- penchants
- leanings
- capabilities
- needs
- partialities
- habitudes
- drives
- powers
- facilities
- proficiencies
- capacities
- turns
- potentials
- competences
- faculties
- talents
- aptitudes
- gifts
- specialties
- faculties
- specialities
- fortes
- specialisms
- endowments
- knacks
- geniuses
- bents
- flairs
- genii
- heads