instruct

[in-struhkt]

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.

   Synonyms: school, indoctrinate, discipline, drill, coach, tutor

2. to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command.

   The doctor instructed me to diet.

   Synonyms: prescribe

3. to furnish with information; inform; apprise.

   Synonyms: enlighten

4. Law.,  (of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.

instruct

/ ɪnˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to direct to do something; order

2. to teach (someone) how to do (something)

3. to furnish with information; apprise

4. law

   1. (esp of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to

   2. to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf

      to instruct counsel

Other Word Forms

• instructedly adverb
• instructedness noun
• instructible adjective
• misinstruct verb (used with object)
• overinstruct verb (used with object)
• preinstruct verb (used with object)
• quasi-instructed adjective
• reinstruct verb (used with object)
• self-instructed adjective
• self-instructing adjective
• uninstructible adjective
• uninstructing adjective
• well-instructed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere “to equip, train, set in order,” equivalent to in- “in” + struc- (variant stem of struere “to put together”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of instruct¹

C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build

Synonym Study

See teach.

Example Sentences

In late August, Starbucks sent out reminders to cafes for workers to deliver their beverage handoffs to customers as instructed.

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He instructed executives to stay calm and directed employees not to comment on the ads.

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The president instructed Witkoff to alert Qatar, but the warning came after the missiles had landed.

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China’s leaders have vowed to absorb Taiwan by force if necessary, and U.S. officials say the Chinese military has been instructed to be ready to invade the democratically self-ruled island by 2027.

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Some post offices will be closed, and Lightbound added he has instructed Canada Post executives to cut corporate overhead costs.

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Related Words

• advise 
• brief 
• discipline 
• disclose 
• educate 
• guide 
• notify 
• tell 
• train 
• tutor