instinct
n. · adj.-
1 natural behavior (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sciencea natural way of acting that animals and people are born with.
an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli.
ExampleBirds have a natural instinct to build nests in the springtime.
ExampleThe migratory instinct in certain species of butterflies remains one of the most fascinating subjects in behavioral biology.
-
2 intuitive feeling (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea feeling that makes you do something without having to think about it first.
a natural aptitude or intuitive way of acting or thinking without conscious deliberation.
ExampleMy first instinct was to run, but I decided to stay and help.
ExampleHer professional instinct told her that the deal was too good to be true, despite the impressive figures presented by the board.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 filled with (adj.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Literaryfilled or charged with a specific quality or feeling.
imbued or charged with a particular quality, emotion, or spirit.
ExampleThe old forest was instinct with a strange and quiet energy.
ExampleThe poet described a landscape instinct with life, where every leaf and stone seemed to vibrate with a hidden spirit.
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'with'.
From Latin īnstīnctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”), from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).
- Nouninstinct
- Adjectiveinstinctive
- Adverbinstinctively