instil
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to introduce gradually; implant or infuse
-
rare to pour in or inject in drops
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of instil
C16: from Latin instillāre to pour in a drop at a time, from stillāre to drip
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.
Instil into a little girl from her cradle that a man is not first of all a cavalier or a possible lover, but her neighbour, her equal in everything.
From The Darling and Other Stories by Garnett, Constance
Instil principles of severe reasoning, and form habits of connected thought.
From The Young Maiden by Muzzey, A. B. (Artemas Bowers)
Though on oblivion's barren shores He give it quick sepulture, Still through reluctant passman's pores Instil the dew of culture.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 101, November 14, 1891 by Various
Instil in your verses the indignation of your soul, and your song will be good for ten thousand soldiers in the defense of Languedoc.
From The Iron Pincers or Mylio and Karvel A Tale of the Albigensian Crusades by Sue, Eugène
Instil no religious doctrine apart from its duty.
From The Vicar's Daughter by MacDonald, George
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
