English Explanatory Dictionary

instinct

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A natural or inherent impulse or behaviour.
  2. An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
adj
  1. Imbued, charged (with something).

Pronunciation

/ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/ En-us-instinct.ogg

Word forms

instinct instincts more instinct most instinct

Etymology

From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).

Derived words

death instinct gut instinct herding instinct herd instinct instinctive instinctively instinct shooting instinctual killer instinct survival instinct
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