Synonyms

instill

American

[in-stil] / ɪnˈstɪl /

especially British, instil

verb (used with object)

instilled, instilling

to infuse slowly or gradually into the mind or feelings; insinuate; inject.

to instill courtesy in a child.

Synonyms:

introduce, inculcate
to put in drop by drop.

Other Word Forms

instiller noun
instillment noun
preinstill verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of instill

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin instillāre, equivalent to in- in- ² + stillāre “to drip”; distill

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Driven by what he describes as his "Islamic values" and the teachings instilled in him by his parents, Shah replied to some of the people who had sent him abusive comments.

From BBC

There was, of course, the ever-popular Nickelodeon show “Dora the Explorer” and before that, the PBS show “Amigos,” that looked to instill the basics of Spanish into kids across America.

From Los Angeles Times

Those experiences instilled in me a sense of urgency to do whatever is possible to help patients under my care.

From The Wall Street Journal

"But the impetus for its creation was a desire to instill fiscal discipline, and that is something we wholeheartedly endorse."

From BBC

She particularly credits her parents with the work ethic they instilled in her from a young age to have respect for the craft and the job.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023