Instinct
Etymology
From Latin īnstinctus, past participle of īnstinguō (“to incite, to instigate”),
from in (“in, on”) + stinguō (“to prick”).
This etymology is incomplete.
Noun
instinct (countable and uncountable, plural instincts)
Many animals fear fire by instinct.
- An intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought.
an instinct for order; to be modest by instinct
Debbie's instinct was to distrust John.
Derived terms
- death instinct
- herding instinct
- herd instinct
- instinctive
- instinctively
- instinct shooting
- killer instinct
Translations
show ▼±natural or inherent impulse or behaviour
show ▼±intuitive reaction not based on rational conscious thought
Adjective
instinct (comparative more instinct, superlative most instinct)
Further reading
- “instinct”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “instinct”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co.,
1911, →OCLC.
Dutch
Etymology
Borrowed from French instinct, from Latin īnstinctus
Noun
instinct n (plural instincten)
- instinct (innate response, impulse or behaviour)